Educators called for universities in China to work more closely together to foster creativity and innovation among the students.

"In the past few years, we have made greater efforts to foster creativity among our students...so that they may apply the knowledge and theory they acquire in classrooms into innovative endeavors and various enterprises," said Tao Jian, president of the University of International Relations in Beijing.

Tao made his remarks at a weekend forum encouraging innovation at universities. The University of International Relations and the state of Ohio's Marietta College jointly hosted the forum, held from June 29-30.

"We brought in many international teachers and students to the campus to share their experiences," Tao said.

Liu Hui, Party secretary of the University of International Relations, said that scholars and students from international universities are "both beneficiaries and promoters of international cooperation".

"Therefore, we should act as vanguards and engines of such cooperation," Liu said.