Source: Institute of Higher Education Research
Written by: Institute of Higher Education Research
Translated by: Zheng Xia

The 10th Seminar of the SYSU Colleges and Universities Research Forum was held in Swasey Hall on January 10. Dr. C.D. Mote Jr., Council Member of Confucius Institute Headquarters, Former President of University of Maryland and President-designate of National Academy of Engineering in the United States, gave a talk entitled “INNVOATION: Risks are Necessary”. The seminar was presided over by Chen Chunsheng, Executive Deputy Secretary and Vice President of SYSU. Managerial staff, faculty and students from functional departments, schools and departments attended the seminar.
Dr. Mote has held leading posts in several famous American universities and has gained brilliant achievements in university administration. He served as Vice Chancellor of UC Berkeley from 1991 to 1998 and President of University of Maryland from 1998 to 2010, during which period the educational strength of University of Maryland was substantially enhanced.

At the seminar, Dr. Mote mentioned that innovation is an important way to success for any culture, as well as a key means to solving the problems in the development. In the process of globalization, culture acts as a double-edged sword, which can both stimulate innovative spirit and become the communication barrier. Meanwhile, he also explained the seven features of innovative culture, namely, leadership, minimum decision-making structure, paying attention to result, valuing various talent and creativity, non-traditional values, acting quickly and adapting easily, and willingness to accept defeat. In the end, the teachers and students had discussion and communication with Dr. Mote centering on the theme.