The 375th China Engineering Science and Technology Forum, focusing on the theme of smart highway development, was held in Wuhan City, Hubei Province on June 15, 2023.

More than 300 experts and scholars from home and abroad, including members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), participated in the forum. It was livestreamed on several platforms, such as the World Transport Convention 2023 and the China Knowledge Centre for Engineering Science and Technology, attracting more than 30,000 online viewers.

The forum included five keynote presentations and panel discussions on a wide range of issues, such as the efficiency of China's transportation system, the characteristics of Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor network, green construction and operation of highways, and innovation in China's bridge construction.

The event was closely aligned with the Smart Highway Development Research, a key research and consulting project of the CAE in 2022, as well as the country’s new development strategy, situation and requirements.

Participants exchanged ideas on the characteristics, goals, pathways, key tasks and practices of smart highway development. These discussions considered the integration of next-generation information technology with highways and the challenges in highway development. The insights gained are expected to support China’s goal to build a comprehensive transportation system and advance the healthy and sustainable development of the smart highway.