Pujiang Innovation Forum held in Shanghai

Now in its tenth year, the 2017 Pujiang Innovation Forum was held in Shanghai between Sept 22 and 25.

Party Secretary of Shanghai Han Zheng attended the opening ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang delivered the keynote speech, and Mayor of Shanghai Ying Yong delivered a welcome speech to all participants at the forum.

Wan said China's scientific development has entered into new phase, requiring related parties to strengthen their fundamental research capabilities. The sector will be the foundation for China's emergence as a world powerhouse of scientific and technological innovation, he added.

Wan said China has made significant progress in promoting the fundamental research sector in the past few years. China ranks No 2 in providing high-quality papers in the world. It has actively participated in international science projects and has formed a mechanism that supports project establishment, talent recruitment and policymaking.

Wan suggested several ways of boosting fundamental research in China, including strengthening the construction of related bases, expanding the talent pool, and promoting zero-tolerance for academic misconduct.

Ying said Shanghai is accelerating its transformation into a science and technology hub with strong global influence.

"We will apply international standards in the Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Science Center construction processes."

He added Shanghai will establish more platforms to promote technology development, to commercialize research results and to create more functional zones to support Shanghai’s science and innovation hub development. The city will have better technology supporting mechanisms, better human resources support policies and a better intellectual property protection system in the coming years, he said.

"Pujiang Innovation Forum, which has 10 years of history, has become a high-caliber and international innovation communication platform," Ying said.

"Participants' support and information sharing will provide more inspiration and power to Shanghai in its science and technology hub construction process," Ying added.

Vice-Mayor of Beijing Yin Hejun and Deputy Governor of Anhui province Deng Xiangyang delivered welcome speeches to global guests on Sept 23. Denmark's Minister of Higher Education and Science Soeren Pind gave a keynote speech.

Xu Guanhua, the president of the Pujiang Innovation Forum and an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, hosted the opening ceremony on Sept 23.

Initiated in 2008 and organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and Shanghai's municipal government, the forum has attracted top government officials, renowned academics and executives. Their in-depth discussions on hot topics concerning innovation, both at home and abroad, have produced a number of invaluable findings and insights related to economic development and innovation.