By QI Liming

In 2021, the Technology Diplomats' Innovation Resources Matching Action (Matching Action 2021) was held in Beijing on November 18, bringing together international experts and diplomatic envoys to promote technological collaboration and commercialization of scientific achievements.

▲ PHOTO: VCG

The event, themed "Pooling Global Biomedical Innovation Resources and Jointly Promoting the Construction of International Sci-tech Innovation Center," aimed to strengthen global innovation cooperation and support Beijing’s development as a global hub for science and technology.

Hou Yun, Deputy Director of the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, emphasized that amid profound global changes and the ongoing pandemic, scientific and technological innovation has become more critical than ever for human progress and social development.

▲ PHOTO: VCG

Representatives from multiple countries shared insights on bilateral cooperation and innovation strategies:

Andrea Heyn, Counselor for Science and Technology at the German Embassy in Beijing, highlighted the long-standing S&T agreement between China and Germany since 1978, stressing the importance of fair market access and balanced technology transfer in applied research collaboration.

Roger Germann, Chief Investment Officer at the Swiss Embassy in China, outlined Switzerland's biotech innovation model based on three key combinations: tradition and invention, internationalization and uniqueness, stability and openness. He emphasized integrating data science with medical research to leverage strengths in R&D and advanced computing.

Robert Emond, Counselor for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Canadian Embassy in China, noted Canada’s focus on digital technology, AI, advanced manufacturing, and fintech. The country’s cleantech sector exceeds 29 billion CAD in market value, with strong emphasis on incubators and accelerators to drive tech commercialization.

Professor Alessandra Guidi, Science and Technology Counselor at the Italian Embassy in Beijing, presented five key technology pathways and three bilateral cooperation mechanisms between China and Italy. She identified life sciences as a rapidly evolving field, driven by the "four P's" of medicine—preventive, predictive, personalized, and participatory—and supported by six industry pillars: education, lifestyle improvement, early diagnosis, treatment, patient management, and empowerment.

During the event, five collaborative projects were signed online, including initiatives on medical innovation platforms, digital ecosystems for pharmaceutical R&D, digital transformation of Beijing’s healthcare systems, and an intelligent care system for elderly populations in Italy.

Organized by the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, the virtual conference attracted over 200 participants. Diplomats and experts exchanged updates on national innovation policies, technological advancements, and cooperation opportunities, reflecting broad interest in deepening international sci-tech partnerships.

Editor | SONG Ziyan

Supervisor | TIAN Xueke