The 2024 Shenzhen Global Innovation Forum of Talents, held at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center on November 1, highlighted Shenzhen’s focus on talent and innovation under the theme “Insight, Progress, Opportunity.” Established in 2017, Shenzhen Talent Day underscores the city’s commitment to fostering a robust talent ecosystem.

Keynote Insights and Talent Strategies

Notable speakers included Fan Jianping, Lin Jian, and Steven Hoffman. Fan, president of Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, called for a shift from talent attraction to a balanced approach involving talent nurturing, a strategy critical for Shenzhen’s position as a hub for top-tier talent. Lin discussed the upcoming Shenzhen Ocean University and Shenzhen’s strategic focus on ocean research, underscoring the city’s technological and marine innovation goals.

Hoffman shared perspectives on AI’s transformative potential, predicting it could become a dominant platform in business and technology, shaping new markets and business models.

Round-Table Discussions and Special Guests

The event also hosted a round-table on tech entrepreneurship featuring leaders like Jason Ho and Maxwell Zhou, discussing themes of innovation and achievement. The forum celebrated the accomplishments of Shenzhen’s twin Olympic champions in artistic swimming, Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi, who inspired attendees with their stories.

Cultural Highlights

The Shenzhen University International Choir enriched the event, performing captivating pieces that reflected Shenzhen’s cultural vibrancy and global openness.

With over 6.98 million professionals, Shenzhen’s thriving talent pool demonstrates the success of its dual focus on attracting and nurturing talent, helping the city solidify its status as a world-class talent hub.