The first ever Sino-Swedish Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum took place in 2016 at Hangxing Science Park in Beijing on 21 November, organized by alumni organization Sweden Alumni Network in China (SANC), Swedish Young Professionals and Zhongguancun Hangxing Science Park.
Sweden’ Ambassador to China Anna Lindstedt delivered the opening speech at held forum attended by 300 guests listening to presentations and panel discussions on Swedish innovation in China. Sweden consistently ranks among the first in the world in innovation and they got to learn more about the thinking and policies behind the success.
“It is a pleasure to see Swedish and Chinese companies, alumni and entrepreneurs gathered here at this forum, which I hope will function as a platform for successful exchange between Sweden and China and cooperation on the field of technologic development and innovation. I also wish that this event will bring together skills of different industries for future joint progress and open up for a sharing culture,” said Ambassador Lindstedt.
Speakers included Peter Levin, veteran in Swedish computer game development and founder of special effects company Goodbye Kansas. Other speakers were vice director Hou Yun from Zhongguancun science park, Sun Shaoming (Hangxingyuan Science Park), Lars-Åke Severin from the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and Mikael Salomonsson from the Swedish Institute.
Panelists were: Lu Jiang (Zhongguancun), Andreas Scheibenpflug (Business Sweden), Erik Forsberg (Zhejiang University), Joakim Diamant (Scania), Jerry Zhao (HMS Industrial Networks AB), Zhang Ling (organiser), Li Zhuona, Xia Han, Nils Pihl (Sweden alumni with start-up companies).
Han Xia, Li Zhuona, Mats Wang (Moderator ) and Nils Pihl, Founder & CEO Traintracks discussed ‘Innovativeness in Sweden & Entrepreneurship in China’.
‘How Swedish Innovation Inspires China’ was the topic for discussion between Christer Ljungvall, Erik Forsberg, Hou Yun and Liu Qian (Moderator)
Mats Wang, Founder & CEO of TOTWOO Fashion Tech presented Swedish “Smart Factory” Meets “Made in China 2025”.
China is promoting mass innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide to refuel the economic engine, targeting a new normal of slower but higher-quality growth. As the birthplace of many successful innovative multinational companies, Sweden will play an important role in implementing a strategy of innovation-driven development in China.
Zhongguancun is one of the most energetic entrepreneurial centers in China, with more than 40 unicorn companies settling in the zone.
The establishment of the Sino-Sweden Innovation and Entrepreneur Base, sponsored by Zhongguancun Yonghe Hangxing Science Park, the Sweden Alumni Network in China and the Young Professionals, was announced during the event, writes Chinadaily.com.cn.
The base is intended to build a platform for development of innovative cooperation between China and Sweden and accelerate the flow of talents and capital.
It will focus on researching cutting-edge information technologies, exploring high-end manufacturing and attracting innovative programs to settle in Zhognguancun Science Park, and will offer newly entered firms localized services.
