Weihai advances instrument sharing to boost innovation

Large-scale scientific instruments are essential to technological innovation, but are often too expensive for smaller enterprises. To address this challenge, Weihai Torch Hi-tech Science Park has promoted the shared use of advanced research equipment, giving businesses greater access to critical tools while reducing R&D expenses.

The zone has been encouraging universities and research institutes to open their laboratories and equipment to local enterprises. To make this sharing more efficient, sensors have been installed on many instruments, allowing for better tracking and management of their use. Enterprises are being guided to make full use of Shandong's provincial platform for large-scale scientific instrument sharing. Through this system, companies gain access to advanced devices that help them improve product performance, cut R&D costs, and bring innovations to market more quickly.

Researchers in Weihai monitor experimental model parameters in a laboratory that has joined the provincial equipment-sharing network. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

So far, 446 instruments from universities and research institutions have been registered on the provincial platform, with 267 approved for sensor installation and 175 already equipped. These steps are creating stronger connections between research and industry, ensuring that resources are used more effectively.

The park will be upgrading its services with digitalized management, real-time innovation voucher redemption, and remote monitoring of large-scale equipment. By strengthening the flow of scientific resources and building a more open innovation environment, Weihai Torch Hi-tech Science Park is working to accelerate technological progress and enhance the region's competitiveness. (Edited by Hu Kaili)