Domestic big data companies search for British partners

Big data companies from China are on the hunt for cutting-edge technology from the United Kingdom that can be upscaled and commercialized for use in the country's huge domestic market.

A group of about 15 Chinese companies have started a weeklong visit to the UK in search of such partnerships. The enterprises have already visited leading British universities and research labs, including University College London and the Future Cities Catapult.

"We anticipate strong demand from our clients for implementing cutting-edge innovation, so we are in the UK to look for that expertise," said Xin Haowen, deputy general manager of Sichuan Wisesoft System Integration, which uses big-data technology to provide smart city solutions.