Summary of Key Points
This news article focuses on the 2026 Global Industrial Technology Innovation Cooperation Conference, highlighting that global technological innovation has moved from a phase of individual efforts to a new stage of systematic collaboration across regions and throughout the entire value chain. At the conference, international organizations and experts discussed the obstacles hindering the implementation of innovation (such as geopolitical barriers and rigid mindsets), and proposed new approaches to overcome these barriers (such as building ecosystems and ensuring the free flow of talent). The article also showcases the achievements of the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center over the past five years, including the establishment of research and development platforms and the implementation of a funding mechanism that combines grants with investment, as well as the center's future plans for continued open collaboration to drive industrial upgrading.
1. Global Innovation: From Isolation to Systematic Collaboration
In the past, technological innovation might have been carried out independently by individual cities or companies, but this is no longer feasible. Now, it requires cooperation across countries and regions, involving all aspects of the value chain. For example, research and development must be conducted in collaboration with foreign institutions, and the transformation of innovations into practical products or services needs to involve capital and industry. Hassan, the president of WAITRO, stated that while there are numerous innovative ideas, the challenge is to effectively apply them in real life. The key is for countries to change their old ways of thinking and find new ways to collaborate, overcoming political barriers that restrict technology exchange.
2. Geopolitical Barriers to International Cooperation and Solutions
The biggest obstacle to international cooperation is geopolitical tension (political differences between nations). Hassan emphasized that mere slogans about cooperation are not enough; concrete actions are needed. WAITRO aims to create an ecosystem where countries can learn from each other, not only by transferring technology but also by helping them develop the capabilities to use it effectively. Additionally, Jagadish, an academic from the Australian Academy of Sciences, stressed the importance of allowing researchers to move freely across borders and ensuring that scientific research is not influenced by politics, so that technology can serve as a bridge between countries.
3. Practical Advice from Experts on Innovation
Peter Childs, a British academic, suggested that future technological developments should not focus solely on improving tools (e.g., making machines faster). Instead, there should be a broader perspective that considers the impact of technologies on employment, the environment, and the economy. He recommended conducting advance research on the relationship between technology and society and adopting an interdisciplinary approach (combining science, sociology, and economics) to shape the future direction of industries.
4. The Achievements of the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center
Over the past five years, the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center has made significant progress:
- Established Research and Development Platforms: 110 centers have been set up in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, chips, advanced materials, and biomedicine.
- Innovation Mechanisms: A funding mechanism that combines grants with investment has been implemented to support early-stage research and development. This approach has helped nurture 197 innovative companies.
- Collaboration with Enterprises: The center has partnered with over 700 leading firms in various industries, addressing their technological needs and producing results competitive on the global market.
- Conferences and Partnerships: The center has established partnerships with organizations like Chengtong Science and Technology and Shanghai State-owned Assets Investment to create a financial ecosystem that integrates technology, capital, and industry. Ten companies using this funding mechanism have been established in cities across the Yangtze River Delta (Minhang, Suzhou, Nanjing, etc.).
5. Future Directions for the Yangtze River Delta
Liu Qing, the director of the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center, outlined the center's next steps:
- Enhancing International Cooperation: Continuing to build strong platforms for collaboration with institutions in other countries.
- Deepening Innovation Transformation: Turning research findings into market-ready products.
- Strengthening Regional Integration: Sharing resources among cities within the Yangtze River Delta and with other regions around the world.
- Leveraging Global Expertise: Introducing advanced technologies from abroad to boost local industrial development.
In summary, this news article emphasizes that innovation cannot be achieved through isolation; open cooperation and systematic collaboration are essential for successful implementation and economic growth. The Yangtze River Delta, as a key innovation hub in China, is playing a vital role in fostering global technological collaboration.