Unlocking Shanghai's next wave: Capital, data and talent in flow

A free flow of talents across the globe to further invigorate Shanghai's economic activity has been a consensus among many IBLAC attendants this year.

Mark Greeven, dean of Asia for IMD Business School in Switzerland, said that the mobility of talent is crucial to innovation. Therefore, a special corridor for talents, especially the R&D experts, may help Shanghai retain these talents, he said.

John Elkann, chair of European automaker Stellantis Group, suggested that entry and mobility for international talents could be further streamlined in Shanghai by simplifying visa, work permit, and residency processes through digitalization and dedicated channels for professionals.

Singapore's talent schemes, Tokyo's digital infrastructure, and the Netherlands' inclusive public services may serve as references for Shanghai to improve its "software," such as the talent ecosystem, said Richelle from Royal Vopak.

According to Severin Schwan, chairman of the board of directors for the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche Group, developing a new medicine is interdisciplinary. Shanghai has gathered various disciplines, providing knowledge in biology, chemistry, and increasingly, AI, with a large number of scientists and academic institutions.