The sixth International Technology Transfer Forum is held in Jimo district, Qingdao on Oct 11 and 12. [Photo/Official website of Shandong University]

The sixth International Technology Transfer Forum was held in Jimo district, Qingdao on Oct 11 and 12, bringing together academic representatives from top universities and research institutions from home and abroad, including the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, the University of California, Berkeley in the United States, and the University of Tokyo in Japan.

During the forum, participants elaborated on the successful experiences and models of their countries in the process of technology transfer and discussed how to build effective innovation ecosystems to promote technology transfer and industrialization of achievements.

Li Shengying, vice-president of Qingdao campus of Shandong University, stated that innovation is the core driving force behind national development and social progress, and technology transfer plays a crucial role in the modernization process in China.

Mike Cohen, director of innovation ecosystem development at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasized that universities should leverage their unique characteristics, connect with industry players and venture capital institutions, and focus on fundamental research to continuously reshape and strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

Sean Flanigan from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, highlighted that encouraging startups to participate in technology transfer is an effective way to accelerate innovation, despite significant differences among countries in research and development investment and technology transfer. He believes that enhancing stakeholders' understanding of the value of technology transfer through big data-driven approaches and case sharing is crucial for driving technology transfer towards outstanding development.

The two-day forum, was organized by the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Shandong University. In addition to keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, participants also saw the manifestations of Chinese technological advancements by visiting the Qingdao Port, Haier Group, and Tsingtao Brewery, as well as a few Qingdao tech companies and industrial parks.