Nantong University and ZTT representatives announce a planned industrial technology research institute. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

An agreement was signed on June 20 between Nantong University and China's leading wire and cable manufacturer ZTT Group – based in Rudong county, Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province – to jointly construct an industrial technology research institute.

That comes in the wake of an industry-university-research agreement inked in March 2017. This paved the way for joint in-depth ventures in technological innovation, the commercialization of sci-tech achievements, as well as in recruitment and training.

Over the past five years, 42 technical contracts have been signed between the university and ZTT subsidiaries. Moreover, over 260 top Nantong University graduates have been employed by the company.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the establishment of Nantong University and the 30th anniversary of ZTT Group's founding.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to jointly build a research institute, the only comprehensive university in Nantong and the largest advanced manufacturer locally will further broaden and upgrade their cooperation.

Teachers and students from Nantong University will have field visits to ZTT plants to help the manufacturer identify and solve problems in production.

They will also participate in ZTT's new product development, technical research and process equipment modifications – contributing to the digitalized development of the manufacturing sector and its industrial transformation and upgrading.