IED Roma strengts its international cooperation with Sichuan Normal University by taking part in the event “Shaping the Future: Product Innovation in a Global Perspective.”
IED in China for the Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year at Sichuan Normal University
Date
28 October 2025
As part of the 2025/26 academic year opening ceremony held at the Xu Liaoyuan Museum of Modern Art and Design in Chengdu (China), IED Rome participated at he events with the newly enrolled students of the Product Design program at the College of Fashion and Design Art of Sichuan Normal University.
The occasion provided an opportunity to share the story of an academic partnership that has connected the two institutions for 11 years through student and faculty mobility. The meeting, chaired by Zhang Laishan, Secretary of the College Party Committee, and School Director Chen Shan, highlighted the strategic value of this cooperation project, which promotes the internationalization of the academic path and the development of intercultural competencies by embracing cultures and perspectives different from one’s own - essential requirements for designers who aspire to face global challenges.
Also attending the event were alumni who shared first-hand accounts of their academic exchange experience, testifying to its value and positive impact, as well as Marika Aakesson, Coordinator of the Italian segment of the program, and Cheng Si, Coordinator of the Chinese segment.
Since 2018, IED Rome has welcomed SICNU students who, after completing two years of study at IED, obtain a Double Degree recognized in both Italy and China. This is made possible through a strong international agreement and a shared educational approach that integrates human-centered design thinking, experiential learning, and sustainability principles.
The event was part of a broader series of activities involving Pietro Cagnazzi (IED Roma Academic Manager), who took an active role not only in meeting the students joining the exchange program and preparing to move to Rome in the coming years, but also in discussions with SICNU’s leadership, academic staff, and faculty. These exchanges aimed to further strengthen collaboration, enhance the project, and develop new opportunities for students in the years ahead.
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