English translation of harnessing data for improved productivity: managing the full life cycle of data licensed at the London Book Fair

On March 11, 2025, at the China Collective Stand of the London Book Fair, Tsinghua University Press (TUP) and the University of Toronto Press (UTP) sign a licensing agreement for the English version of Harnessing Data for Improved Productivity: Managing the Full Life Cycle of Data. This collaboration is a big step forward in putting China’s data management innovations on the global map, showcasing the nation’s cutting-edge achievements through leading academic publishers. Mr. LI Zehong, Director of the Anti-Contraband and Illegal Activity Bureau under the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the signing ceremony as a distinguished guest.

The signing ceremony is hosted by SUN Yu, Deputy General Editor of TUP. In a speech titled Embracing Changes for a New Future, Harnessing Data for Progress, ZHAO Xin, President of TUP, emphasizes that “breaking through by transforming and driving growth through innovation” is the core principle of the digital economy era. As digital economies continue to reshape the global landscape, the collaboration between TUP and UTP to publish the English edition of this book couldn’t have come at a more critical time. This effort not only addresses the digital transformation challenges faced by Chinese enterprises but also paves a new way for digital progress in developing countries. ZHAO Xin expresses his hope that this partnership would lay the groundwork for deeper strategic ties between the two publishers, creating an open, inclusive, and innovation-focused model for international collaboration. By translating joint achievements into catalysts for industry growth, this initiative seeks to inject renewed momentum into global knowledge sharing and cross-cultural exchange.

Antonia Pop, Vice President of UTP, reflects on the enduring collaboration between the two publishers, which began in 2010 with joint efforts in academic publishing. Last June, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on copyright cooperation, book exports, and journal partnerships, reaching a strong consensus. Against the backdrop of the ongoing global digital transformation, this latest collaboration centers on how data--often dubbed “the new oil” --can be harnessed as a driving force for sustainable development. This partnership not only facilitates the cross-border exchange of knowledge but also represents a proactive response to the digital revolution worldwide.

As a significant contribution to the field of digital economy, this book features insights from leading university and industry experts, including Sandy SUN, Senior Vice President and China General Manager of Seagate Technology, SHEN Yushi, Former Vice President of Microsoft, ZHAO Yong, renowned data expert. In her video address, Sandy SUN shares her over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. Underscoring the pivotal role of data in the AI era, she describes data as “the foundation of the AI brain” and explains that effective data management not only enhance enterprise productivity but also establish a competitive edge. She emphasizes that advanced data storage and management techniques are essential for driving technological innovation and global business growth in an AI-driven world. Expressing her appreciation for the collaboration between TUP and UTP, Sandy SUN looks forward to further deepening ties in the future to bring more high-quality Chinese STEM works to a global audience. 

This book provides a thorough exploration of data, addressing its fundamental concepts, the evolution of data ecosystems, and its future possibilities. It delves into the essential stages of data life cycle management, along with the key challenges and priorities in enterprise data governance and application. Co-authored by Sandy SUN, who has been recognized for four consecutive years in the Forbes China Top 100 Outstanding Businesswomen, the book presents a structured framework for data life cycle management, drawing from her deep expertise in the data industry. Meanwhile, Dr. SHEN Yushi and Dr. ZHAO Yong contribute their expert insights into big data applications, enriching the book with practical case studies. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world industry experience, this book serves as an invaluable guide for enterprises navigating the complexities of digital transformation on a global scale.

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