In May, 2009, President Pei Gang was invited to attend G8 University Summit in Torino, Italy. He delivered a keynote speech on Ethics: Universal Responsibility of University, which showed a more significant role that Tongji University could play in international cooperation.

Tongji University promoted the cooperation with Italy in design and innovation. For the purpose of discussing the project of Shanghai International No.1 Design Field, President Pei Gang, Vice President Chen Xiaolong respectively led a delegation to visit partner universities in Italy and institutions such as Italian Trade Commission(ICE). The two sides agreed to cooperate in industrial design education, especially in the automobile and jewel design. An agreement was reached on building Italian Design and Innovation Center with joint effort.

Under the guidance of the Dean’s Office and Graduate School, Sino-Italian Campus will integrate “4+M” educational reform of elite engineers, not only to complete training reform of double bachelor’s degree, but also to promote “4+M” core project and international cutting-edge courses of Sino-Italian design education, in concert with College of Design and Innovation, as well as School of Economic and Management.