China seeks to attract more intl sci-tech institutions

BEIJING — In addition to hosting frontier research facilities and high-tech enterprises, Beijing is now turning its focus to attracting international science and technology organizations, doubling down on efforts to boost its scientific appeal.

The Chinese capital has recently started expanding its dedicated cluster of international sci-tech bodies, adding service stations, exhibition halls, meeting rooms and cross-border network workspaces to accommodate more institutions.

This expansion drive extends beyond Beijing. More international sci-tech organizations have established headquarters and core branches in China, from coastal economic powerhouses to inland western regions, spanning fields from digital Earth science to aerospace.

The Space Universities Administrative Committee of the International Astronautical Federation, with its headquarters in Paris, has established a permanent secretariat in Dalian, a port city in Liaoning province.

According to Yu Xiaozhou, committee chair and professor at Dalian University of Technology, China's appeal lies in its varied scenarios, massive data and long-term observation records of existing projects.

These are critical inputs for frontier basic research, and they are also "the main reason why the IAF values China so highly and is willing to pursue global cooperation with us," Yu said.

Complete industrial chains are another key attraction, according to Chen Kai, deputy director of the International Society of Sensing Technology.

Co-founded by institutions from 10 countries and regions, including the United Kingdom and Canada, the new society was established in May in Chengdu, Sichuan province. Chen said the city's strong research ecosystem and industrial foundation were decisive factors in its selection as the headquarters.

The concentration of sci-tech organizations in China not only promotes innovation in research and industries but also contributes to enhancing both the capacity and fairness of global science governance.

With rising concerns about fragmentation and rival blocs in international science, China-based groups are becoming "unbiased hubs" for cross-border cooperation, said Li Fei, an associate researcher at Zhejiang University.

"Global science governance is shifting from a Western-dominated club model to a more inclusive partnership model," Li noted.

The global science program, "An Eco-Secured Community with a Shared Future for Mankind", is a typical example. Launched by Chinese scientists, it aims to mobilize global expertise to address pressing ecological challenges. At its Beijing office, Thato Mokhethi, from Lesotho, was sorting reports as a program participant.

"Beijing is a nice place where I can talk to other scientists and think about the future of humanity together," the young African scholar said. The group is responsive to countries keen on advancing the program, and she is willing to share her findings with researchers in her home country, she added.

The push on global science collaboration is underpinned by China's policies.

Since 2016, China has laid out plans to encourage international science organizations to set up within the country. Besides Beijing and Shanghai, provinces including Shandong and Hainan have rolled out their own incentives, and economic powerhouses like Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces have offered cash rewards for successful headquarters or branch offices.

Chinese provinces and cities are continuing efforts to enhance their global appeal. Beijing, for instance, recently announced that it would ease cross-border data flows, internet access and personnel entry for international sci-tech groups based in the city.

XINHUA