In active response to the strategic emphasis on advancing area and country studies and promoting interdisciplinary integration of theory and practice, the Finnish Studies Center at Nanjing Institute of Technology was officially launched on the afternoon of April 17, 2025. Attendees of the foundation ceremony included Professor Markku Oivo from the University of Oulu; Professor Jouni Markkula from the M3S Institute of the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at the University of Oulu and Vice Dean of the Oulu School at Nanjing Institute of Technology; Li Jianbo, Executive Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Zhejiang International Studies University and Distinguished Professor of Ludong University; and Wang Qun, Member of the University Committee and Vice President of Nanjing Institute of Technology.

In her address, Wang Qun extended sincere greetings to the guests from Finland and all participants. She reviewed the fruitful achievements from eight years of collaboration between NJIT and the University of Oulu, noting that the establishment of the Finnish Studies Center marks another breakthrough in transitioning from educational cooperation to academic research and mutual learning between civilizations. As a comprehensive research platform focusing on Finland and the Nordic region, the center will strive to become a leading hub for area and country studies, build an academic network in Nordic research, and establish a multi-level international exchange platform, serving as an academic and cultural bridge connecting the Yangtze River Delta region with the Nordic countries. She expressed hope that the Finnish Studies Center will ride the wave of the “Innovative Partnership” between China and Finland, providing a broad platform for young scholars from both countries to realize their academic aspirations.

Markku Oivo congratulated the establishment of the center, noting that despite the geographical distance between China and Finland, the shared emphasis on education, belief in innovation, and the principle of “complementing differences” have infused this partnership with unique vitality. The launch of the Finnish Studies Center, he added, will further strengthen exchanges between the two countries in technology, culture, education, and beyond. He encouraged both universities to continue moving forward with openness and to explore broader prospects for collaboration.

Witnessed by the attendees, the Finnish Studies Center at Nanjing Institute of Technology was officially unveiled.

During the ceremony, the Journal of Nanjing Institute of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) announced the launch of a new column titled “Area and Country Studies” and opened a call for papers. This column will focus on topics such as multicultural exchanges and regional coordinated development in the era of globalization, aiming to create an academic dialogue platform with an international perspective. It seeks to drive theoretical innovation and practical exploration in the field of area and country studies, contributing academic insights to the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Professor Li Jianbo also delivered an insightful academic lecture titled Historical Insights in Country Studies from a Cultural Perspective. From the standpoint of cultural studies, he systematically outlined the development and emerging trends in area and country studies, engaging in in-depth academic dialogue with faculty and students present.

The event was attended by representatives from various departments of the university, including the Office of Social Sciences, the Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges, the Journal Editorial Office, the School of Business, the School of Management Engineering, the School of Marxism, the School of Foreign Languages, and the NJIT-Oulu School, along with nearly a hundred faculty and student representatives.