As China is rising as a political and economic world power, thanks to its three-decade reform and opening up, more and more people in overseas countries start to learn Chinese and turn to a Confucius Institute in their own countries as their first choice learning Chinese language and Chinese culture. During the learning process, the learners concurrently develop their interest in this ancient land, whose civilization is so vastly different from theirs. And the learners have opportunities to learn about Chinese philosophy, art, architecture, medicine and catering culture and experience first-hand the splendors of this venerable civilization.改革开放30 年来，随着中国逐渐崛起成为政治经济强国，海外人士学习汉语的现象与日俱增，海外孔子学院也成了人们学习中国语言和中国文化的首选之地。
通过学习汉语，他们对这个和自己文化大相径庭的古老文明产生了浓厚的兴趣，而且有机会了解中国的哲学、艺术、医学、饮食文化，亲身体验这个文明古国的风采。
As the second culture, Chinese culture has enriched the life and world outlook of the learners. This trend, so to speak, is gathering momentum and is there to stay. Apart from their love for Chinese cuisine, more and more American learners of Chinese language are turning to Chinese acupuncture, herbal medicines, martial arts. They are also interested in kongfu films, fashions and crafts. Seemingly outlandish words such as dim sum, ginseng, gingko, oolongcha have crept into their everyday language. The latest Chinese cultural icons to make its impact there are Taoism, and ancient school of thought, and fengshui, an ancient art of placement.作为第二文化，中国文化也丰富了他们的生活和世界观。
可以说，这个潮流方兴未艾。
越来越多的学习汉语的美国人除了对中国菜肴赞不绝口之外，也在尝试针灸，草药和武术。
他们也看功夫电影，学习东方时装潮流和手工艺，不知不觉的在日常生活中谈及中国的点心，人参、银杏，乌龙茶等。
目前在美国最热门的中国文化是道家学说和有着神秘色彩的风水学。
What will the role of universities be in this globalized economy? How will they contribute to improving society through innovation that will improve the quality of life and support economic growth? How will they prepare their graduates who will extract the best and explore the greatest in this increasingly complex society? It is important to remember that undergraduate education and post-graduate education are tightly linked to research. Our education programs should ensure that the students are learning in an atmosphere characterized by the pursuit of new knowledge and process of discovery. An interrelated educational program will create a flow of young, bright and uninhibited minds to work on the frontier of discovery.在这个经济全球化的时代背景下，大学将扮演怎样的角色呢?大学将如何通过旨在提高生活质量、推动经济发展的创新活动进而推动社会的进步呢?在这个日新月异、充满变数的社会，大学又将如何培养那些善于取精用弘的学生呢?我们应该认识到，本科生教育和研究生教育都与研究紧密相连。
我们的教育应该为学生创造一种可以探寻新知识、带来新发现的氛围，将教学与研究融合在一起的教育可以培养一批活跃在探索前沿、聪颖开放的青年才俊。
The fundamental mission of a university is the creation of new knowledge which sometimes has immediate practical applications. But that can never be the only goal. And making it a primary goal will frequently be short-sighted. Basic contributions to knowledge should be valued for being exactly that. Our university has an almost unique role in fostering such contribution. Choosing theright people is the first and perhaps the most crucial step in ensuring an innovative environment. There are three types of people that can be important. The first class of individuals consists of fanciful visionaries. The second class of important people in innovative environment consists of revolutionary explorers.The third class of individuals consists of uninhibited executors.大学最根本的使命就是创造新知识，虽然大学所创造的新知识有时会立即产生实际应用价值，但这决不是大学所追求的唯一目标。
将获取实际应用价值的目标定位大学的主要目标是一种短视行为。
基础研究也同样是大学的使命，而且大学在推动基础研究方面能发挥独特的作用。
选对人是确保创新型研究环境的首要因素，也是最为关键的因素。
选人要选三种人：第一种人是想法活跃的思想家，第二种人是富有革命精神的探索家，第三种人是不受常规约束的实干家。
Innovation starts at the top, and it is important for leaders to create an environment where innovation is constant, where people have the skills and incentives to think creatively. In doing so, you attract talents that want to contribute to that environment, creating a virtuous cycle for the company. Shanghai's leadership has worked hard to create an environment where businesses can succeed. For example, Shanghai's transportation links to the world, including Pudong International Airport and the new deep water port facility, have achieved world-class status. We live in an era where innovation is central to economic growth and prosperity.创新从领导层开始做起。
领导层必须营造一个可以不断创新的环境，以激励人们的创新思维。
这样的环境可以吸引那些乐于创新的人才，从而使公司得到良性发展。
上海的领导努力为企业营造可取得成功的环境。
例如，浦东国际机场和新的深水港等设施的建立，使上海与世界的交通连接达到了世界级的水平。
我们生活在一个以创新驱动经济发展和繁荣的时代。
It is comfortable to hold onto the old ways of doing business. But innovation is hard because it usually leads to change. Innovation requires new ideas, new processes, and new institutions. New technologies and approaches can radically change an existing market, creating new customers and competitions. But innovation and its accompanying disruption can be managed through good leadership, a long term strategy, and good people. President Hu Jintao stated at the beginning of this year that “Innovation is the core of the nation's competitiveness.墨守成规确实舒服惬意，而改革创新则困难重重，因为创新往往引发变革。