Qingdao in Shandong province enhances its innovative capabilities and technological influence by boosting international sci-tech cooperation. [Photo/WeChat account: opinionline]

In recent years, Qingdao in Shandong province has enhanced its innovative capabilities and technological influence by boosting international sci-tech cooperation and supporting enterprises in collaborating with overseas institutions on technological breakthroughs, talent development, and project construction. 

The city has established 139 international cooperation bases spanning over 51 countries and regions, including Russia, Germany, South Korea, and Japan, which highlight areas such as high-end equipment, smart home appliances, and marine technology.

"We should focus on Qingdao's key industrial clusters, strengthening the development of platforms for international collaboration, supporting more enterprises in going global, and partnering with overseas institutions to tackle critical bottleneck technologies. This will inject new momentum into innovation and high-quality productivity in Qingdao," said Li Tianchuan, director of the Qingdao science and technology bureau.

The bureau has also set up a special fund for international sci-tech cooperation, focusing on fields such as biomedicine, marine equipment, smart home appliances, new energy, and new materials. Each year, it launches a number of key projects to help enterprises partner with foreign companies, universities, and research institutions and drive technological innovation and industrial upgrades through cooperation.

For instance, with the support of these projects, Haier has partnered with Amazon, Microsoft, and Germany's TUV Rheinland to establish a global joint scenario laboratory, creating a smart ecosystem for global users. To date, Haier has set up 10 R&D centers, 71 research institutes, and 35 industrial parks worldwide.

Another example of Qingdao's success in international collaboration is the China-Thailand Belt and Road Joint Rail Transit Laboratory, built in collaboration with CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co Ltd. Aimed at meeting Thailand's rail transit technology needs, the lab has launched more than 10 joint research projects.