Recently, PolyU Vice President (Research Development) Prof. Alex Wai delivered a keynote speech at the Times Higher Education (THE) Research Excellence Summit Eurasia co-hosted by THE and Kazan Federal University. Prof. Wai discussed why innovation and technology is vital to the strategic interests of a nation and the well-being of people. He also shared his insights on the global trend of innovation and technology, and how to capitalise on opportunities along the Belt and Road to drive impactful research and nurture talent.