In this interview series, the Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity Initiative turns the spotlights on their guest researchers. We learn more about their research projects, their link with inclusive prosperity and their long term goals. This edition features Meiling Han who is applying Florida's creative class theory to Chinese cities. She will be visiting DoIP until March 2022.
Where are you from?
I come from Harbin, a city located in the northernmost part of China. The winters there are long and cold, and the temperature often drops to below -20 degree, which is why it is called the Ice City In the past, during winter festivals, people used to remove pieces of ice from the river and model them into ice lanterns. Over time, the ice lanterns became a brand of Harbin, attracting a large number of tourists to visit the city for ice skating, winter swimming, ice lanterns and snow sculptures. The people here are very hospitable. Welcome to my hometown! My alma mater, the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), is well-known for especially Environmental Science and Engineering, but also Aeronautics and more. It is considered one of the top-ranking universities in China dating back to 1920. HIT has cultivated many talents, including state leaders.
What is your research about?
The main purpose of my research is to apply Florida’s creative class theory to a Chinese context. Florida defined the creative class as a new class, set apart from the working class and the service class. He put forward the concept of the creative class as a group of people engaged in innovative work, who can exist in any industry and prefer to work or settle in more inclusive cities. Unlike natural resources, creativity is not something that can be exhausted, but an infinite resource that is constantly updated and improved through the stimulation provided by education, on-the-job experience, and interpersonal communication. Florida also proposed that as the agglomeration of the creative class progresses in certain areas, it can attract more members of the businesses and service class, thereby increasing the population and ultimately achieving economic growth. In his research Florida focuses on American metropolises, and there is a lack of research on China’s creative class. Moreover, Chinese cities are very different from American cities in terms of urbanization level etc. Therefore, my research aims to exam the relationship between creative and inclusive in the Chinese context.
What are your expectations for your stay at Erasmus University?
The Erasmus school of management, in particular the DoIP project focuses on the research of inclusive cities, which are very attractive to the creative class. The agglomeration of this talent group, especially Bohemians, such as artists and writers, will also make cities more inclusive. Therefore, the acquisition of knowledge about inclusive cities is conducive to enriching my research. This is one of the reasons why I chose to study at Erasmus University. In addition, working together with excellent students and professors here will definitely inspire me a lot in terms of conceiving ideas and conducting research.
In what way is your research project contributing to inclusive prosperity?
The creative class is one the most important contributors to inclusive cities, therefore research on their preferred cities to live and work in and the factors that attract these talent groups will also contribute to the study of inclusive prosperity.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Taking more social responsibilities to give back to the society, such as working on environment protection, as well as taking my theoretical research into practice.
What are your first impressions of the Erasmus University and the city of Rotterdam?
Erasmus University is a very tolerant university, and my Dutch colleagues are very open-minded and have their own insight on China, which impressed me a lot. They are also curious about the life of Chinese citizens in China. I especially enjoy our discussions on the cultural differences between the two nations, as well as my daily life and work here in the Netherlands. I am also very grateful to the operation managers, secretary and HR for their help and supports during my study here.
