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The CEDIA Rectors’ Community undertook its sixth immersion trip
The delegation of rectors, as part of the immersive experience organised by Ecuador’s National Research and Education Network, visited 16 strategic locations within the Chinese ecosystem from 20 April to 1 May 2026.
(Source: Karla Crespo, CEDIA) Over two weeks, 29 academic leaders from 22 universities and one higher education institute took part in an academic immersion programme in China, held in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Shenzhen. This tour helped to establish a platform for strategic exchange aimed at strengthening the international profile of Ecuadorian institutions and opening up new opportunities for academic, scientific and technological cooperation.
The itinerary included visits to universities, technology companies and hubs of innovation that are currently leading the way in digital transformation, scientific research and engagement with the productive sector. In total, the delegation visited 16 strategic locations, including academic institutions, technology centres and innovation ecosystems.
Among the universities visited were Beijing Language and Culture University, China University of Petroleum, Renmin University of China, Shanghai International Studies University, Tongji University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, New York University Shanghai, East China University of Science and Technology and Shenzhen Polytechnic University.
The Ecuadorian officials also gained first-hand insight into the work carried out by companies and technology centres such as iFLYTEK, Alibaba Group, Huawei and Unitree Robotics, where topics related to artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, supercomputing and digital services applied to education, industry and public administration were discussed.
One of the most significant aspects of the tour was the opportunity to analyse training models closely linked to industry and technological development. The visit to Shenzhen Polytechnic University provided a first-hand insight into how technical and technological education is integrated with processes of innovation, automation and dual training, incorporating practical work experience in companies into academic training.
Throughout the experience, five strategic pillars emerged that shaped the delegation’s itinerary: structural internationalisation, applied research, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and university-industry links. These elements provided a basis for reflection on the current challenges facing higher education and on opportunities for adapting and implementing new practices within the Ecuadorian context.
The programme also helped to strengthen the international relationships of the participating institutions, creating opportunities for dialogue with rectors, vice-rectors, internationalisation managers and innovation leaders from the universities and companies visited.
For CEDIA, this experience reaffirms its commitment to fostering an academic network connected to the world, capable of forging strategic alliances, strengthening institutional capacities and promoting higher education aligned with the technological and scientific challenges of the future.
