"Belt and Road" Technology Innovation Cooperation: In-depth Analysis

Since the "Belt and Road" initiative was proposed in 2013, technology innovation cooperation has become a key component. In 2016, the Ministry of Science and Technology and several other ministries jointly released the "Special Plan for Advancing Technology Innovation Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative," followed by the release of the "Action Plan for Technology Innovation Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative." In 2017, President Xi Jinping officially launched the plan at the opening ceremony of the "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Summit Forum, which included four main actions: scientific and cultural exchanges, joint laboratory construction, science park cooperation, and technology transfer. Since then, China has signed intergovernmental technology cooperation agreements with more than 80 partner countries, establishing a comprehensive, multi-layered, and broad field technology cooperation framework.

01 Policy Guidance: Strengthening the Foundation of Cooperation

Frequent Scientific and Cultural Exchanges：The International Young Scientist Program implemented by the Ministry of Science and Technology has yielded remarkable results. Over the past decade, it has attracted more than 700 outstanding young scientists from over 40 countries, who have worked and studied at more than 200 research institutions across 28 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions in China, covering 15 academic fields. The Chinese Academy of Sciences' international exchange program has funded over 1,900 talents from partner countries. Additionally, the Belt and Road International Scientific Organization Alliance has attracted 67 organizations from 48 countries and regions. Various cross-national technology transfer centers continue to promote technological exchanges, and the Belt and Road International Big Data Competition has been successfully held five times, drawing talents from universities in numerous countries.

Rich Collaborative Research Achievements: China and its partner countries have implemented multiple joint research programs in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, information technology, new energy, and fundamental research. Over 50 joint laboratories and 10 overseas science and education cooperation centers have been established under the Belt and Road initiative. For example, the Chinese Academy of Sciences assisted Thailand in building the "artificial sun" experimental device. The Tokamak 1 in Thailand began trial operations in July 2023, training over 100 talented individuals.

Cooperation Achievements: Blooming with Innovation

Economic Aspect: Technology Innovation Cooperation Boosts the Transformation and Upgrading of Traditional Industries and the Rise of Emerging Industries in Belt and Road Countries In the agricultural sector, China has collaborated with Kazakhstan on agricultural technology exchanges to improve crop yield and quality. In the digital field, China has helped Africa build 5G networks, while China and Thailand have jointly developed smart demonstration factories, promoting the digitalization of industries and driving economic growth.

Rich Joint Research Achievements: China and its partner countries have implemented multiple joint research programs in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, information technology, new energy, and fundamental research. Over 50 joint laboratories and 10 overseas science and education cooperation centers have been established under the Belt and Road initiative. For example, the Chinese Academy of Sciences assisted Thailand in building the "artificial sun" experimental device. The Tokamak 1 in Thailand began trial operations in July 2023, training over 100 talented individuals.

Upgrading Industry Technology Cooperation: China's cooperation with South Africa in the development of an intelligent grinding system for the Jinchuan Ore Concentration Plant is based on the results of the China-South Africa Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Exploration and Utilization of Mineral Resources. As a result of this cooperation, the metal recovery rate has increased by 10 percentage points, generating an annual economic benefit of over 100 million yuan. Additionally, the Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Rwanda has promoted mushroom grass technology, supporting local agricultural development.

03 Far-reaching Significance: Driving Multilateral Development

Economic Aspect: Technology Innovation Cooperation Boosts the Transformation and Upgrading of Traditional Industries and the Rise of Emerging Industries in Belt and Road Countries In the agricultural sector, China has collaborated with Kazakhstan on agricultural technology exchanges to enhance crop yield and quality. In the digital field, China has assisted Africa in building 5G networks, while China and Thailand have jointly developed smart demonstration factories, promoting the digitalization of industries and driving economic growth.

Social Aspect: Advancing Public Health and Cultural Preservation

 Public Health: China and Tanzania jointly established a cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment center, providing screening and treatment for a large number of women.

 Cultural Preservation: China and Cambodia collaborated on the restoration of the Chaogao Temple, while China and Greece worked together on cultural heritage conservation technology research, enhancing the well-being and cultural legacy of countries along the Belt and Road.

Source: Silk Road Express WeChat Official Account
Article Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/l6NFhW90zcBEYaDTwecCDA