On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the Business School of Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) successfully held the 13th Distinguished Academic Forum of 2026 in Conference Room 615, Main Teaching Building, Xueyuan South Road Campus. The lecture invited Professor Rong Ke from Tsinghua University as the keynote speaker. More than 20 participants attended the event, including faculty members, doctoral students, master’s students from the Business School, as well as teachers and students from other universities.
The lecture was presided over by Professor Lin Song, Dean of the Business School of CUFE, who gave a detailed introduction to Professor Rong’s background. Professor Rong Ke is a Tenured Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Tsinghua University, holding a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He currently serves as Director of the Institute of Economics, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Member of the Higher Education Teaching Guidance Committee of the Ministry of Education, Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Digital Economy, and Section Editor of the top international journal Journal of International Business Studies. He has been listed in the World’s Top 2% Scientists and Elsevier’s Chinese Highly Cited Researchers.His research focuses on business and innovation ecosystems, global digital economy and big tech firms, as well as artificial intelligence and data ecosystems. He has published over 80 papers in top journals and authoritative newspapers, including Management Science, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Production and Operations Management, Social Sciences in China, People’s Daily (Theoretical Edition), and Economic Research Journal. He has authored multiple monographs and textbooks, such as Data Factor Theory, Digital Economics, and Sustained Win-Win: Methodology for Building Business Ecosystems.He has led over 30 research projects, including Key Special Projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Major Projects of the National Social Science Fund of China, and projects with large tech enterprises, focusing on critical areas such as the digital economy, fundamental software, and data factors. Many of his policy research reports have received instructions from central leaders, and he has participated in drafting national policy documents including the National Data Infrastructure System and the AI+ Initiative. As the first completer, he has received numerous important honors, such as the Liu Shiwei Economics Prize, First Prize of Beijing Philosophy and Social Science Outstanding Achievements, and China Management Youth Award.
The theme of Professor Rong's lecture was Research on AI Innovation Ecosystems: From the Perspective of X-Ecosystems Theory.Adopting X-Ecosystems theory as the analytical framework, the lecture explored the evolutionary logic and operational mechanisms of innovation ecosystems in the artificial intelligence sector. From multiple dimensions including technological R&D, industrial application, factor collaboration and governance rules, it analyzed the interactive and symbiotic relationships among stakeholders in AI innovation. Combined with practical challenges in the industry, it probed feasible approaches to breaking ecological barriers, optimizing resource allocation and translating innovation into tangible value, thereby offering theoretical references and practical insights for the high-quality development and improved construction of the AI industry ecosystem.
After the lecture, teachers and students present engaged in a lively discussion centered on Professor Rong’s sharing, covering research data, research directions, journal submissions and related suggestions. The event further facilitated the exchange and collision of academic ideas.
As a key platform for the Business School of Central University of Finance and Economics to fulfill its mission of advancing new management knowledge, the Distinguished Academic Forum centers on frontier issues in business administration and the management practices of Chinese enterprises. It pools global wisdom and innovative insights, and strives to provide theoretical support and practical solutions for the sustainable social and economic development of China.
