On May 13, 2025, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Thomas Sargent visited Wuhan University for a dynamic academic exchange with young faculty members from the Economics and Management School. The forum, themed "Economic and Management Research in the Age of New Technologies and Big Data," fostered vibrant discussions under the leadership of Dean Nie Jun, attracting over 20 participating scholars.

Dean Nie warmly welcomed Professor Sargent, emphasizing the event's mission to build interdisciplinary bridges in economic research. He highlighted how such exchanges inject global perspectives into local academic development while promoting innovative thinking among young scholars.

The presentations covered groundbreaking research across multiple disciplines. Dr. Guo Rufei from the World Economy Department analyzed AI's transformative impact on labor markets, revealing how technological evolution is reshaping employment structures. His work demonstrated how generative AI threatens even high-income professions while creating new opportunities in education and childcare sectors.

Environmental economics took center stage as Dr. Yu Tiancheng presented compelling evidence linking labor mobility to improved corporate environmental performance. His research showed that relaxed enforcement of non-compete clauses significantly reduces factory emissions, particularly in skill-intensive industries. Meanwhile, Dr. Wei Lijia shared findings from medical field experiments proving AI's capacity to reduce overtreatment by enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Digital transformation emerged as another key theme. Dr. Luo Lizi showcased innovative applications of RFID and BIM technologies in construction supply chains, prompting thoughtful discussion with Professor Sargent about implementation challenges. Dr. Fu Shihe followed with rigorous quantitative analysis of environmental policies, using big data to measure air quality improvements in southern China's industrial zones.

The forum reached its intellectual peak during Dr. Yang Zhongchao's presentation on China's unique local government tournament system. His dynamic equilibrium model, which earned particular praise from Professor Sargent, illuminated both the competitive advantages and potential risks of this distinctive governance mechanism.

In the interactive session, scholars including Dr. Tang Yangyi and Dr. Wang Jinzhao engaged in spirited debates about research methodologies while seeking Professor Sargent's guidance on academic career development. The Nobel laureate emphasized the importance of selecting impactful research questions and maintaining global academic connections.

This landmark event not only provided rare access to world-class economic thinking but also demonstrated Wuhan University's growing influence in cutting-edge economic research. By facilitating cross-cultural academic dialogue, the forum planted seeds for future international collaborations that promise to advance both theoretical and applied economics.

Reported by: Feng Huilin, Yi Diandian, Liu Yanqing | Reviewed by: Nie Jun, Huang Minxue