The China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center was unveiled in Qingdao City of East China's Shandong Province on Thursday, aiming to promote multilateral academic exchanges in innovation, and foster an open, inclusive and mutually beneficial international innovation ecosystem.
The unveiling followed the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 held earlier this week in north China's Tianjin Municipality, and the initiation of three SCO cooperation platforms in energy, green industry, and the digital economy and major cooperation centers for higher education and vocational and technical education on Tuesday.
A total of 10 key international cooperation programs were launched on the occasion of the unveiling on Thursday, covering fields including bio-medicine, high-end equipment, and modern high-efficiency agriculture.
On the sidelines of the unveiling ceremony, attendees shared their expectations for the new innovation center.
"I think that through the China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center, we can cooperate with other SCO member states and Belt and Road partner countries in sci-tech innovation in a more effective, faster and more significant way. What is even more crucial is that we can help promote the transfer and application of sci-tech achievements," said Naser Golsanami, professor with the Shandong University of Science and Technology.
"China has seen rapid development in science and technology, achieving numerous results. We also hope to gain insights into the research achievements in science and technology abroad. The center will allow us to cooperate and exchange with other countries, particularly other SCO countries in a more convenient and swift way," said Wang Chuansheng, professor with the Qingdao University of Science and Technology.
The center will focus on areas including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, healthcare, modern agriculture, and climate change. It will work to promote bilateral and multilateral joint research, and advance the establishment of international joint laboratories and research centers.
An international think tank for SCO member states will be set up, along with a think tank alliance to facilitate in-depth exchanges on sci-tech innovation policies and practical experience with all parties, thus providing intellectual support for international scientific and technological cooperation.
What began in 2001 with six member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus.
Comprising these 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialog partners spanning Asia, Europe and Africa, the SCO now forms a 26-nation "big family." It is now the world's largest regional international organization by both geographical area and population.
China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center unveiled to promote multilateral cooperation
China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center unveiled to promote multilateral cooperation
