Global think tank forum highlights future industries, innovation

Photo shows the 2024 Global High-Level Think Tank Forum for Science and Technology Innovation in Beijing, China's capital, April 28, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The 2024 Global High-Level Think Tank Forum for Science and Technology Innovation convened on April 28 at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing, focusing on future-oriented industries and innovation ecosystems.

The forum, which serves as a platform for gathering global wisdom and sharing the latest achievements of international think tanks, brought together more than 500 domestic and international experts and representatives from academic institutions, government, business, and international organizations.

Fang Li, secretary of the leading Party members' group at Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, said that the conference aims to cultivate international scientific and technological collaboration, explore innovative ecosystems for future industries, and enhance Beijing's competitiveness in the global future industrial landscape.

Liang Yingda, director-general of the Department of Strategy and Planning at the Ministry of Science and Technology, emphasized the need for technological innovation and the cultivation of an enabling ecosystem for future industries through policy guidance, funding, and talent development.

Echoing the focus on innovation, Mustafa B. Shehu, president of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, expressed his support for the conference's emphasis. He highlighted the crucial role of innovation in advancing technology and promoting sustainability.

The conference, held in parallel with the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum, focused on new quality productive forces and sustainable development. Zhang Tao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chairman of the Beijing Advisory Committee for Science and Technology Strategic Decision-Making, advocated leveraging these forces to achieve carbon neutrality. He highlighted China's approach to low-carbon industrialization, which is driven by innovative energy technologies. Zhang emphasized that this path not only contributes to China's dual carbon goals but also advances human civilization as a whole.

The forum also featured a signing ceremony welcoming new members to the ZGC Global High-Level Think Tank Alliance and the launch of international and regional cooperation projects.

The event was jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Beijing Municipal People's Government and co-organized by the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology and other institutions.