On the evening of April 11, 2025, the 54th lecture of the "Digital Economy and Management Lecture Hall", themed The Netherlands: Physics, Technology and the Craftsmanship Spirit, was successfully held in the lecture hall of the Electronics Building. The event was hosted by BNUBS. This special lecture was delivered by Cao Zexian, Researcher at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Director of the Department of Science and Communication, University of Science and Technology of China. The lecture was presided over by Teacher Zhou Jianghua from BNUBS, attracting more than 120 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students of the School to attend.

Guest Speaker: Cao Zexian

During the lecture, Professor Cao explained why lithography machines are crucial to the modern economy. By exploring physics and industry development in the Netherlands, he illustrated why the country is the sole manufacturer of the world’s most advanced lithography machines. He first mentioned that the Netherlands is far more than a land of windmills and tulips. It is home to a number of world-renowned universities, which serve as major European scientific hubs, cultivate numerous physicists and underpin the nation’s enduring vitality.

Focusing on distinguished physicists graduated from Leiden University, including Simon Stevin, Willebrord Snellius and Christiaan Huygens, he elaborated on classic physical theorems and discoveries put forward by them, covering light refraction, Lorentz transformation, liquid helium and superconductivity, as well as spin — the fundamental concept of quantum mechanics. In terms of industry, the Dutch have accumulated profound craftsmanship and experience in glass and lens manufacturing, especially in the fields of telescopes and microscopes. Philips, a well-known Dutch enterprise, is capable of manufacturing a full range of electron microscopes. Beyond science and technology, Professor Cao pointed out that the Netherlands is also the hometown of celebrated artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt. Notably, scientific elements in Dutch paintings are presented with rigorous accuracy. He introduced Maurits Cornelis Escher, an artist with outstanding mathematical attainments, whose works integrate mathematical concepts including fractals, symmetry, tessellation and hyperbolic geometry.

Afterwards, Professor Cao illustrated the concept of lithography and explained the working principle of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. He emphasized that advanced industrial manufacturing requires the integration of scientific knowledge, craftsmanship spirit and artistic taste. The development of chips represents the pinnacle of technological complexity. Cutting-edge technology originates from long-term accumulation of manual skills and in-depth theoretical thinking, and the Netherlands’ achievements in lithography machine manufacturing offer valuable lessons for all. At the end of the lecture, Professor Cao engaged in active interactions with students and answered their questions in detail.

Teachers and Students Attending the Lecture On-Site

The insightful lecture brought abundant gains to all participating students. By systematically reviewing the long-standing accumulation of physics research in the Netherlands, combining the country’s profound industrial experience in glass craftsmanship and electron microscope manufacturing, and introducing the mathematics and aesthetic connotations embodied in Dutch art, Professor Cao profoundly revealed that the birth of top-tier lithography machines stems from the long-term integration of scientific expertise, craftsmanship and artistic accomplishment.

The lecture not only clarified the core logic of lithography technology, but also helped students understand the interdisciplinary nature of chips as the most sophisticated technological product of modern times. The event concluded successfully amid warm applause from teachers and students.

Brief Introduction to the "Digital Economy and Management Lecture Hall" Series

Upholding the mission of "Promoting business and culture to serve the nation and the world by creating knowledge and developing talents.", BNUBS keeps a close focus on the development and practice of the digital economy and modern management.

Launched in September 2020 as the "Frontier Lectures on Digital Economy and Management", the serial activity has held 54 sessions to date. Officially upgraded to the "Digital Economy and Management Lecture Hall" in May 2023, the series presents a comprehensive panorama of contemporary digital economy and management from multiple perspectives including economy, management, culture, technology and industrial transformation. It strives to interpret the inherent connotations and development laws of the digital era, and inspire in-depth thinking and practical innovation for China’s economic development as well as corporate reform in the new economic age. 

Contributed by MBA Education Center

Edited by Zhang Li

Reviewed by Zhou Jianghua