Source: Beijing Daily

On the afternoon of September 3, Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li visited Chaoyang District to learn about efforts to promote the development of international science and technology organizations in Beijing. He stressed that as a national center for international exchanges and scientific and technological innovation, Beijing has an important responsibility to support the country’s international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation. Beijing should remain focused on serving national needs, the global frontier of science and technology, major economic and social development, and the health and well-being of the people; make full use of the capital’s strengths and resources; continuously improve its capacity to provide services; and promote the clustered, large-scale, and high-quality development of international science and technology organizations. These efforts will help accelerate the development of Beijing into a key hub in the global innovation network and a world-class source of scientific and technological innovation, while better supporting the country’s broader efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

                                                                                             Learning About Support Services for the International Science and Technology Organizations Headquarters Cluster

More than three years after the establishment of the International Science and Technology Organizations Headquarters Cluster, 16 science and technology organizations and institutions have set up offices there. Yin Li visited the International Society for Digital Earth, the Beijing Representative Office of the World Green Design Organization (Belgium), the Asia Simulation Federation, and other organizations in the cluster to learn about their operations. He called for further improving the “dual steward” service model, strengthening institutional support, talent services, and project coordination, and fostering an open and inclusive international science and technology innovation ecosystem.

                                                                                                                                                Reviewing the Development and Operations of the World Data Organization

The World Data Organization, established in March this year, is the world’s first international science and technology organization focused on data governance and development. Yin Li learned about its development, operations, and research achievements. He encouraged the World Data Organization to actively participate in global data governance, promote the secure, compliant, and efficient flow and use of data, strengthen pilot projects and collaboration, and support the implementation of advanced international digital concepts and technological solutions in Beijing.

                                                                                                                                                                                Calling for Greater Application of New Microbial Technologies

The World Microbial Data Center is the first World Data Center in China dedicated to the life sciences. Yin Li learned about the center’s development, operations, and research activities, and viewed an exhibition of its research成果. He called for continued upgrades to the global microbial big data technology platform, as well as improved rules for cross-border data sharing, quality control standards, and secure data circulation mechanisms. He also called for greater application of new microbial technologies to support the development of the biomanufacturing industry and improve people’s quality of life.

During the visit, Yin Li noted that international science and technology organizations are playing an increasingly important role as platforms connecting global innovation resources, promoting scientific and technological progress, and strengthening global science and technology governance. Beijing is now home to 58 international science and technology organizations, the largest number among cities in China. Beijing should respond to the needs of building a strong country in science and technology, attract international science and technology organizations in key fields around the world, and actively foster international science and technology institutions initiated and established by domestic organizations. It should strengthen the capacity of functional areas such as the International Science and Technology Organizations Headquarters Cluster and develop Beijing into a leading hub for international science and technology organizations. Relevant municipal departments and local authorities should align their policies with internationally accepted rules and refine supporting measures to make Beijing increasingly attractive to international science and technology organizations.

Yin Li stressed the need to make better use of international science and technology organizations as a bridge for communication and cooperation and to strengthen Beijing’s advantages in connecting scientific and technological resources. More transnational joint laboratories, international technology transfer centers, and innovation incubation platforms should be established. Cooperation among Chinese and foreign universities, research institutes, and technology companies in industry, academia, and research should be deepened, and internationally influential scientific journals should be developed. International science and technology organizations should be encouraged to work with national strategic scientific and technological forces and technology companies in Beijing to tackle key and core technologies in priority fields and produce more original research成果. Cross-border research collaboration should be strengthened, major science and technology infrastructure should be opened to researchers worldwide, and China should initiate and participate in international large-scale science programs and projects in an effort to address major global scientific and technological challenges.

Yin Li called for active participation in international science and technology governance and the development of a positive and responsible global science and technology environment. Beijing should continue to host open exchange events such as the Zhongguancun Forum and the International Congress on Basic Science, support international science and technology organizations in holding academic forums and industry summits, and expand science and technology exchanges and cooperation across multiple levels and fields. Through platforms such as the World Data Organization, Beijing should participate in research and mutual recognition of technical standards and ethical guidelines in emerging fields such as data governance and biological resources. China should actively share its ideas and contribute its solutions, promote the broad sharing of scientific and technological成果, and advance the common well-being of humanity.

Municipal leaders Jin Wei and Zhao Lei also participated.