The 16th National Undergraduate Economics Annual Conference, co-hosted by the School of Economics of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and the School of Economics of Shandong University, was held at the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics on May 30, 2026. Professor Zhou Yahong, Dean of the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Professor Sun Shuqin, Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, Shandong University (online), attended and delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Yan Hongzhong, Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
Opening Remarks
Dean Zhou Yahong reviewed the development history of the School of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and systematically introduced the talent training models of its economics disciplines. For instance, the academic master’s programs offer multiple tracks including quantitative economics and experimental economics, while professional master’s programs focus on fields such as financial econometrics, artificial intelligence and quantitative investment. He spoke highly of both the quantity and quality of submissions, affirmed the research achievements of undergraduate students, and wished all participants a rewarding conference and fresh insights through academic exchanges.
Deputy Dean Sun Shuqin introduced an overview of the School of Economics at Shandong University. She noted that over the past century, numerous students from the school have grown into national economic talents and made vital contributions to the development of economics in China. She pointed out that drawing on solid academic foundations, the School of Economics of Shandong University has achieved outstanding results in disciplinary development, research projects and talent cultivation in recent years. As an alliance member of the Base for the Top-Notch Student Training Program 2.0 in Economics, the school will further deepen cooperation with the School of Economics of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Taking this annual conference as an opportunity, the two sides will continue to build platforms for academic exchange and intellectual dialogue for students. She hoped that students would cherish this learning opportunity, conduct in-depth discussions and stimulate innovative thinking.
Paper Defense
During the grouped defense session, participants presented their latest research findings on topics including digital transformation, artificial intelligence and new-quality productive forces, ESG and green finance, common prosperity and total factor productivity, fiscal and tax incentives, and digital inclusive finance.
Closing Ceremony
Professor Chang Jinxiong, Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, delivered the closing address. He stated that the paper topics of this conference closely respond to national economic development needs, demonstrating the academic potential of young scholars and highlighting the importance of integrating economic theories with practice. He added that the organizing committee would further expand the influence of the annual conference and continuously optimize the review mechanism to build a broader academic exchange platform for students and support sustained innovation and development in economics education.
Award Ceremony
After evaluation, four students including Jin Ye from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics won the first prize; four students including Li Miao from Anhui University won the second prize; nine students including Zhuang Hanyue from Liaoning University won the third prize. Deputy Dean Chang Jinxiong presented certificates to the award-winning students.
Initiated by the School of Economics of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, the National Undergraduate Economics Annual Conference has run for sixteen sessions since 2011. It aims to stimulate undergraduate students across universities nationwide to write academic papers, encourage economics majors to apply what they have learned, explore research questions with rigorous academic attitudes, and accumulate momentum for the prosperity of economics.
