On October 16, a delegation from Grenoble École de Management (GEM) visited Northwestern Polytechnical University. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions and negotiations regarding upcoming educational collaboration projects. The delegation from GEM included Professor Jie YAN, Director of China Development Affairs; Yingjun ZHANG, Director of the Beijing Center; Peng LI, Director of the Master’s Degree Study Abroad Direct Access Program. Representatives from Northwestern Polytechnical University included Jun CHEN, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Office; Siwei CHEN, Head of the Exchange Section; Ying MA, Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages; Yan TIAN, Foreign Affairs Secretary; Jing SHAO, Assistant Dean of the School of Management; Mengtianzi QUAN, Foreign Affairs Secretary; and Yuyun Wei, Foreign Affairs Secretary of the School of Public Policy and Management.
During the visit, both sides focused on discussing cooperation matters related to the upcoming joint programs, including the 3+2 double degree program, the 1+1 double degree program, and short-term study trip programs. Jun CHEN, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Office at Northwestern Polytechnical University, warmly welcomed the delegation from Grenoble École de Management on behalf of the university. He provided a detailed introduction to the university’s development history, academic structure, and the current status and achievements of its international cooperation and exchanges.
Professor Jie YAN from Grenoble École de Management (GEM) expressed heartfelt thanks for the warm reception by Northwestern Polytechnical University and provided a detailed explanation of GEM’s educational philosophy, its advantageous geographical location, and its distinctive programs. He emphasized that GEM has always placed great importance on collaboration with Chinese universities, having deeply participated in several France-China cooperation projects. Last year, GEM established its Beijing Center with the aim of further expanding cooperation and exchange with major universities across China.
Yingjun ZHANG, Director of the Grenoble École de Management (GEM) Beijing Center, stated that both universities share a strong technological background. GEM integrates technology with management disciplines, and its 17 master’s programs in science are all cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields that align closely with the pulse of the times. He added that this collaboration would save students significant time and financial costs, providing Northwestern Polytechnical University students with a fast track to continue their studies at world-renowned institutions. The GEM Beijing Center utilizes the MOOC platform, allowing students to use fragmented time during their university years to study preparatory courses, build a foundation in business studies, and adapt to the full English-language teaching model, ensuring they are well-prepared for future overseas study.
Ying MA, Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Northwestern Polytechnical University, she believes that the collaboration with GEM will open up broader career prospects for the students of the School of Foreign Languages. She pointed out that relying solely on language skills may present certain challenges in the job market. However, this collaboration will significantly expand students’ global competence and professional competitiveness, offering them more diverse development opportunities. Furthermore, based on the cooperation between the two universities, the School of Foreign Languages will assist students participating in the joint programs in enhancing their practical language skills.
Jing JING, Assistant Dean of the School of Management at Northwestern Polytechnical University, pointed out that the cooperation with GEM, including the joint 3+2 double degree program and the 1+1 double degree program, provides a direct pathway for students in the School of Management. This collaboration allows them to seamlessly transition into the one-year MSc programs at GEM across all science disciplines. This initiative will significantly reduce the time students spend on their studies, helping them efficiently plan their overseas education journey. It enables them to earn degrees from two prestigious institutions, with minimal time and financial costs.
Grenoble École de Management (GEM) and the School of Management at Northwestern Polytechnical University had signed a memorandum of cooperation. This visit further advanced the implementation of the collaboration projects and expanded the partnership to include various departments across the university, such as the School of Management, School of Foreign Languages, and the School of Public Policy and Management. In addition to the three departments present at the meeting, the deepened collaboration between the two universities will provide unprecedented opportunities for students across the entire university, especially those with a background in science and engineering. This partnership will allow students to bypass the traditional limitations of their major and directly apply for GEM’s MSc programs, opening up broader academic and professional opportunities. Students will benefit from a fast-track application process, as well as reduced time and financial costs.
Both parties expressed their expectations and confidence for future cooperation and made specific plans for the next steps in their collaboration.
Northwestern Polytechnical University
Northwestern Polytechnical University, also known as ‘Xigongda’, is located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. It is a national public university renowned for its specialization in the education and research of aviation, aerospace, and marine fields. The university is directly under the administration of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and is one of China’s “Double First-Class” universities, as well as part of the “985” and “211.” Additionally, NWPU is a member of the “2011 Plan,” “111 Plan,” and “Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program.” It is the only university to have been awarded the “Major Contribution Award” twice by the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission.
Grenoble École de Management
Grenoble École de Management (GEM) is located in the heart of Grenoble in France, with additional campuses in Paris, Tbilisi, Singapore, and other cities. GEM founded in 1984 by the Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the school is renowned for its focus on “technology” and “innovation” in its academic offerings. GEM is a prominent member of the French Graduate Schools of Management (CGE) and the Conference of Deans of French Business Schools (CDEFM).
GEM consistently ranks among the top business schools globally in prestigious rankings such as the Financial Times and QS. Its programs in finance, management, marketing, and executive MBA regularly feature in the top 50 worldwide. Additionally, GEM is one of the fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide to hold the “Triple Crown” of international accreditations—AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS. GEM’s curriculum focuses on meeting the global demand for innovation and sustainable development in business, integrating disciplines such as technology, sports, culture, and arts with management and business education. The school uses an innovative teaching approach that combines professional academic knowledge with business education principles. Its extensive network of corporate partnerships and alumni provides students with numerous opportunities for company visits, internships, employment, and study abroad experiences. GEM collaborates with well-known companies such as STMicroelectronics, Schneider Electric, bioMérieux, Société Générale, McKinsey & Company, EY, Chanel, L’Oréal, LVMH, Oracle, HP, Caterpillar, and Salomon.
