Prof. Adrian Ely, Prof. Jeremy Kent Hall, and Prof. Robin Banerjee with partners at Tsinghua University

The Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM) at Tsinghua University — one of China’s top universities and a global leader in higher education and policy studies.

The agreement marks the continued formalisation of an ongoing institutional partnership between two of the world’s most respected academic centres for science, technology, and innovation policy research.

Founded in 1966 by the eminent economist Professor Christopher Freeman, SPRU is internationally recognised for its pioneering work in science and technology policy, innovation, sustainability transitions, and inclusive development. As a department of the University of Sussex Business School, SPRU continues to influence academic, business, government and policy communities worldwide.

Tsinghua University’s School of Public Policy and Management, founded in 2000, was the first graduate school of public administration in China. It has since become a leading institution for training China’s public sector leaders and for advancing public policy research, with strong international partnerships and a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to governance, innovation, and development.

The MoU builds on longstanding connections between researchers at SPRU and SPPM and sets the stage for expanded collaboration in areas such as joint research, academic exchanges, workshops, and co-developed teaching programmes.

Professor Jeremy Kent Hall, Director of SPRU, commented:

“This partnership brings together two institutions with a deep commitment to understanding how science, technology, and innovation can support sustainable and inclusive development. By strengthening our collaboration with SPPM, we hope to contribute jointly to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The collaboration aligns with SPRU’s mission to produce transformative research that informs policy and practice globally, and with the University of Sussex Business School’s strategy to deepen international partnerships that drive real-world impact.

The partnership will facilitate new opportunities for early-career researchers, student mobility, and joint research activities, particularly in areas related to global development, sustainability transitions, digital transformation, and the governance of emerging technologies.