Yili stresses innovation at China-Netherlands Business Forum

Zhang Jianqiu, executive president of Yili Group speaks at the China-Netherlands Business Forum Oct 16. [Photo/Yili Group]

Companies should have global perspectives when pushing forward innovation, Zhang Jianqiu, executive president of Yili Group said at the China-Netherlands Business Forum on Oct 16.

Zhang shared Yili's experience in innovation of industrial chain at a meeting themed on high-tech innovation and sustainable connectivity.

He noted that the partnership with Wageningen University is a fine example of Yili's continuous innovative efforts.

In February 2014, Yili inaugurated its research and development center in Wageningen University in the Netherlands, a renowned global innovation hub in agriculture and food industries.

The center was rebranded as Europe Innovation Center on Sept 12 this year, with the aim of building more international partnerships to spur innovation.

Yili also signed an agreement with Lincoln University of New Zealand to conduct in-depth researches on how to improve nutrition and to ensure quality of dairy products. 

Yili has expanded its R & D network in Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas, hoping to make technological breakthroughs and realize win-win result with its global partners.

The worldwide R & D network helped the dairy player lead the nation in pushing forward innovation across the industrial chain.

The company has upgraded its traditional pastures and factories and analyzed the consumers' demands with the application of latest technologies such as big data.

Wageningen University and Yili eye not only the Chinese market but also the global market, according to an early announcement made by Louise O. Fresco, chairman of Wageningen University.

Zhang stressed that Yili will continue to innovate with a global insight.

A researcher of Yili Group (first from left) communicates with professors of the Wageningen University in the Netherlands. [Photo/Yili Group]