Innovation a crucial outcome for China, UK collaboration

China's economy is unlikely to continue to grow at a sustainable pace without innovation playing a big part, according to a scholar at one of Britain's top technology and research institutes.

"Opening-up and diversification of ideas are the key elements for China to accelerate innovation," said David Gann, professor of innovation and technology management at Imperial College London.

Chinese industrial advancement, a hotly discussed topic at the two sessions, has worked exceptionally well in recent decades in the "fast follower" model, quickly adopting new techniques once they have been introduced. Companies such as Huawei have gained global recognition, he said.