The session was moderated by WANG Linge, Associate Dean, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology. The panelists included Jack LI, Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.; WANG Bowei, Member of Ukrainian Academy of Engineering Science and Founder of Foshan Linzhi Polymer Material Technology Co., Ltd.; XU Jian, Distinguished professor of Low-dimensional Materials Genome Research Institute at Shenzhen University, Winner of National Outstanding Youth and Winner of CAS Hundred Talents Project; JIA Chunyang, Professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China; WEI Tao, Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and LI Bin, Senior Researcher at the Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials at Donghua University. They discussed topics related to smart materials.
Jack LI discussed polymer materials from two aspects: plastics and the plastic era, as well as the sustainable development of plastics. He emphasized the importance of plastic recycling. WANG Bowei shared insights on the research, development, and applications of artificial biomimetic smart materials, as well as innovation, entrepreneurship, and value. He highlighted the significance of surface protection materials and protective structures.
During the roundtable discussion, XU Jian believed that no matter how good scientific research on materials is, it should ultimately transition from technology to a product, and then from a product to benefiting humanity through the market. This process reflects the value of integrating science, technology, and engineering. JIA Chunyang emphasized the importance of cost considerations for schools and factories. They should have closer collaboration and communication with the industrial sector and capital, leveraging their respective strengths and characteristics to effectively implement the process of transforming technology into products. WEI Tao pointed out that from an innovation perspective, universities should not start by looking for markets. Instead, they should first identify the genuine needs of the industrial sector. Blindly pursuing areas untouched by others may allow for a competitive advantage, but it may not necessarily have significant market value. LI Bin expressed that technological innovation and product utilization should consider both domestic and international trends. By producing innovative solutions based on these trends, a positive cycle of production and innovation can be fostered.
The panelists unanimously agreed that the global smart materials industry is currently experiencing explosive growth, with increasing demand for functional smart materials in various fields. The application of smart materials continues to expand and cover a wider range. On the other hand, the industry will also have higher requirements for the performance of smart materials, thereby driving their development to a higher level.
