Recently, a study tour group composed of Tsinghua University MBA students from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts traveled to University College London (UCL) to participate in an exchange program themed "Global Challenges and Innovation Ecosystems". During the two-week trip (June 23 to July 4), through diverse activities such as classroom discussions, corporate visits, and cultural experiences, they explored cutting-edge concepts in innovation ecosystems and sustainable development, gaining dual growth in cross-cultural learning and global perspective.

This exchange program was meticulously designed by UCL School of Management, offering a rich schedule encompassing academic courses, industry practices, and cultural exchanges for global students. In classes, students systematically studied core topics such as "Innovation Ecosystem Framework", "Green Finance", and "Artificial Intelligence and Global Challenges", taught by renowned scholars including Magda Hercheui and Alan Parkinson. Through case analyses (e.g., the smart city practice of the Dubai Future Foundation, and the corporate social responsibility model of Mercato Metropolitano) and interactive discussions, they closely integrated theory with real-world issues, deepening their understanding of sustainable and innovative business models.

In the industry practice segment, students engaged with international enterprises such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Lloyds Banking through thematic lectures and on-site visits, gaining first-hand insights into the cutting-edge explorations of these global leading companies in fields like green finance, digital transformation, and operational automation. During the visit to Lloyds Banking, students also participated in a group walking tour of the architecture and financial history of London's financial district, understanding the symbiotic relationship between finance and innovation from both industrial practice and urban culture perspectives.

Cultural exchange and social activities were equally exciting. Students took part in cultural experiences such as a London red double-decker bus city tour and a visit to Windsor Castle. They also interacted deeply with UCL and Peking University faculty and students in activities like "electronic shuffle" social competitions and Bloomsbury bowling nights, building international friendship networks in a relaxed atmosphere and sparking cross-cultural innovative thinking.

In the group presentation session at the end of the program, Tsinghua MBA students showcased their achievements on the theme "Innovation Ecosystems Addressing Global Challenges" by integrating their learned knowledge and practical observations, receiving high praise from UCL tutors and peers. Finally, this fulfilling exchange journey concluded with a farewell cruise party on the River Thames, as students returned with abundant gains and reflections.

This trip to UCL not only broadened academic horizons but also deepened the understanding of the complexity of the global innovation ecosystem and the importance of collaboration through diverse activities. "From classroom theories to corporate practices, from cultural experiences to international cooperation, each activity has given us a more three-dimensional understanding of 'innovation' and accumulated valuable experience for contributing to the global business stage in the future."

This exchange program is an important manifestation of the deepened international educational cooperation between Tsinghua MBA and UCL. It has built a bridge for cross-cultural learning between students of the two universities and injected new impetus into cultivating innovative management talents with a global perspective.