Tianjin University Establishes Research Hub for Low-Altitude Economy

Tianjin University hosted the inauguration ceremony of its Low-Altitude Economy Planning and Application Research Institute, alongside an academic symposium on the low-altitude industry. Co-organized with several research institutions and industry partners, the event brought together experts and scholars from government, academia, research organizations, and enterprises to discuss cutting-edge trends and practical applications in the low-altitude economy. The aim was to foster deeper collaboration between academia and industry, driving innovation and high-quality development in the sector.

During the opening ceremony, Tianjin University President Chai Liyuan delivered a congratulatory address, emphasizing the university's historical role as the birthplace of China's first aircraft engine. He highlighted the university's commitment to leveraging its multidisciplinary strengths and engineering expertise to align with national strategic needs. Tianjin University, he noted, will focus on scientific innovation and technology transfer in the low-altitude economy sector, contributing to industry advancement and regional economic growth with "Tianjin University ingenuity." He further stressed the university's efforts in talent development, technology research, and industry collaboration to integrate science and technology with economic development.

Chai Liyuan and low-altitude air traffic management expert Li Jinji jointly unveiled the plaque for the Low-Altitude Economy Planning and Application Research Institute. The institute is a collaborative effort between more than ten schools and departments within Tianjin University. It is the first university-level research institute in China dedicated to low-altitude economy planning and applications. With a mission to serve national strategies, the institute aspires to become a comprehensive, high-level research platform and think tank in the field, providing policy advisory and planning support to government agencies and local authorities.

The institute's director, Zhang Xinnan, delivered a keynote speech titled "Innovative Integration and Multi-Dimensional Empowerment: Research and Industry Enablement at Tianjin University's Low-Altitude Economy Planning and Application Research Institute." In her presentation, she outlined the institute's guiding principles, research focus areas, and initial achievements. Additionally, Professor Zeng Peng from the institute presented a proposal to incorporate low-altitude infrastructure into national spatial planning, advocating for the integration of low-altitude economy considerations into the broader spatial governance framework.

During the ceremony, six organizations were awarded plaques as official industry partners. This marked the formal launch of collaborative efforts between the institute and its partners in research, development, and application.

In the keynote session, Dong Zhiyi, chief expert in the low-altitude economy for the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, delivered a speech titled "Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy through High-Level Safety." He underscored the critical role of safety as a cornerstone for the sustainable development of the low-altitude economy. Chen Peng, vice chairman of the Electric Aviation Committee of the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a special advisor to the institute, also addressed the audience. He congratulated Tianjin University on establishing the institute and offered recommendations for deepening collaboration between government, industry, academia, and research to accelerate the commercialization of low-altitude technologies.

The event also featured four roundtable forums, which delved into key topics such as "New Infrastructure for the Low-Altitude Economy and Urban Planning Challenges," "Current Status, Breakthroughs, and the Future of Low-Altitude Aircraft Manufacturing," "Building a Safety Foundation for Low-Altitude Operations: Technology, Management, and Regulations," and "Innovative Applications and Industry Enablement of the Low-Altitude Economy in the Bohai Economic Rim."

The establishment of the Low-Altitude Economy Planning and Application Research Institute marks a significant step for Tianjin University in responding to national strategies, integrating multidisciplinary resources, and uniting industry stakeholders. Leveraging its strong engineering foundation and interdisciplinary expertise, the university is committed to open collaboration and the deep integration of academia, research, and industry. The institute aims to drive fundamental research, technological breakthroughs, and industrial applications, contributing to the sustainable and high-quality development of China's low-altitude economy. It aspires to become a globally influential hub for scientific innovation and an engine for industry growth.

By: Eva Yin