On January 17, 2026, "the 2026 Shanghai Management Science Forum" was held at the Haoran Hi-Tech Building, Xuhui Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The Shanghai Society of Management Science hosted the event, was co-organized by Antai College of Economics and Management and SJTU-BOC Institute of Technology and Finance at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Under the theme of “Management Science in Transformation,” the forum brought together deans from leading business schools, top scholars, and industry experts in Shanghai, facilitating discussions on theoretical innovation, paradigm transformation, and pathways for talent development in the age of artificial intelligence. Epitomizing Shanghai’s characteristics of being “Most Cutting-Edge, Most Inclusive, Most Open, and Most Practical," the forum set a clear direction and provided a dynamic thrust for the evolution of management disciplines in this intelligent era.

Professor Wang Fanghua, Chairman of the Shanghai Management Science Forum and Honorary President of the Shanghai Society of Management Science, presided over the event. Opening remarks were given by Professor Chen Fangruo, Dean of Antai College of Economics and Management and SJTU-BOC Institute of Technology and Finance, and Professor Huo Jiazhen, President of the Shanghai Society of Management Science. Professor You Jianxin, Vice President and Secretary-General of the society, introduced the distinguished guests to the more than 1,000 attendees, sparking overwhelming enthusiasm and engagement.

Most Cutting-Edge: Addressing AI Paradigm Shifts and Building a Unique Chinese Management Theory System

The forum delved into the revolutionary changes brought by artificial intelligence, engaging in deep discussions on frontier topics in management science and business education. Professor Wang Shouyang, fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), highlighted the shift in decision science from “robust optimization-based decision-making” to “accurate prediction-based decision-making” due to AI. He emphasized the unique opportunities presented by China's vast market, rapid iterative capacity, and policy-driven intelligent transformation. Management scholars are encouraged to harness these opportunities to elevate local practices into global theories with universal influence.

Professor Mao Jiye from ShanghaiTech University illustrated China’s leading-edge practices in the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and biopharmaceutical research, declaring the arrival of “the spring of Chinese management science.” He urged academics to not only aim for publications in world-renowned journals but also to enhance capabilities for world-class theoretical refinement, translating China’s best management practices into original contributions to global management theory.

Most Inclusive: Bridging Disciplines and Advancing Technology with Humanities

The forum embraced an inclusive academic vision, breaking traditional disciplinary barriers to promote dialogue. Professor Xu Fei, Vice president of Fuyao University of Science and Technology, discussed the mission upgrade for fourth-generation universities – from merely serving society to “shaping the future.” He cautioned against “technological feudalism” amid rapid tech developments, urging universities to act as engines of human civilization and beacons of ethical values, fostering value rationality, critical thinking, humanistic literacy, and aesthetic abilities.

Most Open: Innovating Talent Development and Educational Models

Adopting an open attitude, the forum explored innovative talent development models. Professor Liu Shaoxuan, associate dean of Antai College of Economics and Management and executive dean of SJTU-BOC Institute of Technology and Finance,  elaborated on the Master of Technology Transfer (MTT) program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasizing “interdisciplinarity and industry-education integration” through a “theory + practice” teaching model aimed at cultivating strategic talents in technological innovation.

During the roundtable forum, deans from the business schools of CEIBS, Tongji University, Fudan University, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai University and other institutions had an open and in-depth exchange on the challenges currently facing business education. Professor Zhen Lu, Dean of the School of Management at Shanghai University and moderator of the roundtable, raised two thought-provoking questions upfront: first, are business school curricula becoming “superficial” as knowledge grows increasingly accessible? Second, amid the trend of integrating artificial intelligence and vertical-domain knowledge, will professional degree education in business schools be impacted by science and engineering schools? These questions triggered profound reflections and responses from all participating deans.

Professor Zhu Tian, Vice President and Chinese Provost of CEIBS, emphasized that the value of business education—especially MBA and EMBA programs—lies not merely in imparting knowledge, but in systematically cultivating students’ critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and decision-making judgment through case and framework-based teaching. These represent “cognitive frameworks” and practical training that cannot be easily replaced by technology.

Professor Xie En, Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tongji University, pointed out that business education must proactively embrace technology and national strategic priorities, encouraging faculty to “step out of their comfort zones” and address the disconnect between curriculum content and market demands.

Professor Zheng Ming, Vice Dean of the School of Management at Fudan University, proposed that education should go beyond knowledge transmission and focus on developing students’ ability to “define problems” as well as the “human touch” that cannot be replaced by AI—namely practical wisdom and insight.

Professor Fan Tijun, Dean of the School of Business at East China University of Science and Technology, shared the school’s core strategy of “BEST: Business + Engineering + Science + Technology,” aimed at building a talent development system with strong industry depth.

All participants agreed that business education must be deeply integrated with multidisciplinary knowledge from science, engineering, agriculture, and medicine. Business schools are actively developing interdisciplinary programs and courses such as “Business + Engineering” and “Business + Science,” with the goal of cultivating interdisciplinary strategic talents who understand cutting-edge technologies while mastering management expertise.

Most Practical: Promoting Theory-Practice Integration in Industry Segments

Adhering to practical foundations, Professor Chen Fangruo reflected on his prediction of “spring of Chinese management science” and emphasized transforming practical issues into scientific theories. Parallel sub-forums focused on fields like logistics, cosmetics, and intelligent manufacturing, serving as academic and industry-university-research innovation platforms.

Conclusion: Uniting for a New Blueprint in Shanghai Management

The 2026 Shanghai Management Science Forum was an intellectual exchange and mobilization for future challenges. It highlighted the local management science community’s collaborative efforts to meet evolving demands with a sharp “Most Cutting-Edge” insight, an “Most Inclusive” academic ecology, an “Most Open” reform attitude, and a “Most Practical” spirit. The forum’s consensus and blueprint are set to guide Chinese management science into its forthcoming spring, contributing fresh ideas and practical wisdom to the advancement of both national and global management sciences.