Red Star News:

The guidelines stipulate that efforts on the research and development of core technologies should be stepped up in Pudong New Area, and a batch of national science and technology innovation bases will be built there accordingly. What are the major advantages of Pudong compared to other regions across the country? Thanks. 

Weng Zuliang: 

Thanks for your question. Pudong is the core area of the Shanghai international science and technology innovation center. With regards to the building of Zhangjiang Science City, we constantly improved the magnet effect of Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Science Center and its role in demonstrating the achievements of cutting-edge technology. Now Pudong is home to 10 big scientific research facilities (some are under construction), 249 foreign-invested research and development centers, and 717 research and development institutions affiliated with companies. The guidelines stipulate that Pudong should strengthen basic research and applied basic research, better equip itself to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies, and build a number of national sci-tech innovation bases. This demonstrates the country's support for Pudong and trust in Pudong as a whole. We will spare no effort to guarantee success in these areas and put the bases to use as soon as possible.  

To build Pudong into a highland for independent innovation, we will gather strategic sci-tech driving forces, focus on optimizing the atmosphere for innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote the integration of basic research, applied research, and industrial development. The focus will be on improving four systems to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship, which we believe also draws on Pudong's advantages in the following areas.

First, it's a whole-of-the-life-cycle system for innovation incubation. Pudong has established an incubation chain encompassing the seedbed, incubator, and accelerator. It houses more than 170 accredited incubators. Leading companies have set up the Open Innovation Center to better leverage their advantages of resources within the company and of global innovation networks to foster small and medium-sized sci-tech companies with joint efforts and achieve collaborative innovation among companies.

Second, it has a public sci-tech service system that covers all links. Revolving around the innovation chain, we made plans to develop the area's service chain. Pudong has already built over 200 platforms for sci-tech public services, involving services for research, measurement, testing, and certification of scientific and technological achievements, reducing the cost of innovation.

Third, it has a comprehensive intellectual property rights (IPR) protection system. The first Chinese mainland intellectual property bureau, dealing with all legal issues concerning patents, brands, copyright, and geographical indication opened in Pudong New Area. Pudong is also home to the first IP court in the free trade zone, which unifies the adjudication of civil cases, administrative cases, and criminal cases with regard to IPR. Platforms such as the China (Pudong) IPR Protection Center and Copyright Service Center of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone were set up to provide companies with quick examination, proper determination, and correct protection. Next, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we will build a high-level IPR protection system and implement a stricter system on punitive damages involving IPR infringement cases.

Fourth, it has a financing and investment system that covers all sectors regarding sci-tech development. By setting up a fund of funds for sci-tech innovation, granting credit enhancement funds to small and micro-sized companies and piloting the program for securitization of IPR, Pudong has taken multiple approaches to address the difficulties faced by startups in accessing financing. The Yangtze River Delta Capital Service Base was also established in Pudong New Area, which helps startups go listed on the START market by providing professional training and services. We have taken solid steps to improve systems and measures, to help Pudong grow into a magnet for sci-tech innovation. Thanks.