In 2026, within the grand blueprint of the 15th Five-Year Plan, innovation has been endowed with an unprecedented core position, becoming the key driving force for advancing modernization. The national strategy emphasizes scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening, regarding it as a strong pillar of national development, with its sights set on the world's technological frontiers, major national needs, and the people's health. It unswervingly advances the strategies of invigorating the country through science and education, strengthening the nation through talent, and driving development through innovation. Against this backdrop, improving the innovation system and building a technologically powerful nation have become urgent tasks of the times.

Looking around the world, science and technology have become the dominant force driving economic and social development, and the tide of innovation-driven growth is surging. A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gathering momentum, heralding upcoming revolutionary breakthroughs. In such international competition, only through continuous innovation can one move forward, grow strong, and achieve victory. China is transforming from a follower into a fellow traveler, and even a leader, in certain fields of science and technology, demonstrating remarkable progress. However, the foundation of China's scientific and technological innovation still needs to be strengthened; gaps in innovation levels still exist and have even shown a tendency to widen in certain areas. Therefore, enhancing innovation capacity and building an innovation ecosystem are of vital significance for building an innovative country and a world leader in science and technology.

Against this backdrop, the 8th International Academic Exchange Conference on Science and Technology (IAECST 2026), themed "Converging International Wisdom in Scientific and Technological Innovation, Jointly Advancing High-Quality Development of the Academic Ecosystem," is dedicated to gathering global innovative talents, promoting academic prosperity, and supporting innovation-driven development. The conference aims to build a high-level exchange platform that closely integrates industry, academia, research, and government, and to promote the dissemination and exchange of major innovative research achievements in China's key scientific and technological fields, such as communications, software, new energy, transportation and logistics, and mechanical automation. By promoting the integration of scientific and technological resources and advancing collaborative, cooperative, and integrated innovation among industry, academia, and research, the conference will provide solid support for economic and social development as well as industrial transformation and upgrading.

The 8th International Academic Exchange Conference on Science and Technology (IAECST 2026) is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 20, 2026 in Guangzhou, China. The organizing committee warmly looks forward to the active participation of experts, scholars, and researchers from all walks of life, to jointly contribute to scientific and technological innovation and work hand in hand to advance new developments in scientific research and academia.