Kick-off at the China Zhongguancun Forum, one of China's main platforms for international scientific and technological cooperation

The Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum 2021 commenced on 24 September at the Zhongguancun Science Park, one of China's main high-tech industrial development zones.

The Forum is considered one of China's principal platforms for promoting international cooperation in science and technology.

Open until 28 September, the Forum is sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, and the Government of the Municipality of Beijing. It is coordinated by several international organizations, including the International Technology Transfer Network, and in Europe, by SPICI.

The thirteenth edition of the programme focuses on topics concerning the digital economy, life sciences, sustainable development, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.

Numerous experts, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and representatives of leading international organizations gathered in a "phygital" mode to strengthen the exchange of knowledge, talent, and expertise.

During the inauguration of the programme, the speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping was broadcast, during which he invited all countries to enhance international cooperation in the field of science and technology.

In this ambitious context, SPICI coordinated the participation of Italian and international experts and academics in various working sessions for sharing best practices in the field of technology transfer.

During the opening session of the proceedings on 27 September, speeches were given by Dr. Vincenzo Lipardi (President of SPICI), Dr. Roberto Termine (Researcher at the National Research Council), and Dr. Bankole Oloruntoba (Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC)).

The special session “Cooperation on Technology Transfer between Universities”, however, focused on matchmaking among the best international universities and featured the intervention of the Italian representative, Prof. Sergio Cavalieri, Pro-Rector for Technology Transfer and Innovation at the University of Bergamo.

During the session “Matchmaking for European and Eurasian Technology Transfer”, Prof. Plinio Innocenzi, former Scientific Advisor at the Italian Embassy in China, delivered a speech on international cooperation for innovation and cross-border technology transfer.

Dr. Vincenzo Lipardi presented SPICI's strategy as a hub between Europe and Asia, detailing the company's activities and latest international collaboration projects with China, Iran, Africa, Japan, Georgia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The day concluded with the session “Matchmaking for Technology Transfer between America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa”. Dr. Bankole Oloruntoba discussed the potential for cooperation between China and Africa in the field of technology transfer.