Shanghai in East China is positioning itself as a bridge between Chinese innovation and international markets, as the 12th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair welcomes hundreds of technology companies and global delegations looking to forge future partnerships.
The three-day event, which opened on Thursday at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, has brought together innovation achievements from 22 countries and regions globally, as well as 24 provinces and municipalities across China.
"This year's CSITF will strengthen innovation sourcing functions, connect global innovation networks and promote international open cooperation," said Zhou Lan, deputy director of Shanghai's commerce commission. "We are implementing stronger measures and more practical initiatives to accelerate Shanghai's development into a globally influential science and technology innovation highland."
The fair features one themed exhibition area, four major professional technology zones and an innovation trading service area, highlighting 15 debut projects making their first public appearance. These span digital intelligence and green transformation across established industries, emerging sectors and future technologies.
City clusters in Scotland, encompassing Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness and Stirling, serve as the overseas guest cities of honor, with Glasgow being recognized in this capacity for the second consecutive year.
Kirsty McNeill, parliamentary under-secretary of state for Scotland, leads a delegation representing the breadth of Scottish expertise, from Edinburgh's fintech sector to Dundee's digital innovation capabilities, in a bid to mark a collective, nationwide effort to enhance trade, exports and investment across all of Scotland.
Lausanne, Switzerland, joins as the other overseas guest city of honor, bringing what Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, municipal councillor and vice-mayor of the city, describes as "one of Europe's most dynamic innovation ecosystems".
The Lausanne pavilion will showcase four strategic sectors: life sciences and medical technologies, digital intelligence and artificial intelligence, precision engineering and advanced manufacturing, and innovation services.
Participating as a guest city of honor is a natural opportunity to present not only innovative companies, but also the ecosystem that enables them to grow, innovate and compete globally, Hildbrand said.
"Platforms such as the CSITF help build trust, facilitate dialogue and create the relationships that are essential for long-term cooperation," he said, noting that in today's economy, successful innovation increasingly depends not only on technological excellence, but also on the ability to connect ecosystems and people.
The fair attracts companies seeking real-world solutions. Austrian autonomous mobile robot manufacturer Agilox is making its CSITF debut, viewing the event as crucial for its Asia-Pacific expansion.
"China has become increasingly important to our global business," said Juergen Brunner, APAC manager of Agilox. "Over the last 15 years, it has developed into a fast-growing market with strong business opportunities."
The biggest draw today compared to five years ago is China's combination of high-quality manufacturing, excellent supplier networks and rapid technological development, making it a key market for innovation, partnerships and future growth, according to Brunner.
Since 2018, more than 60 Agilox robots have been deployed across nine Chinese production and logistics facilities of China Tobacco, with continuous fleet expansion demonstrating long-term partnership value, he said.
zhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn