Shanghai hosted the 17th Pujiang Innovation Forum, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious innovation events, from September 7 to 10. One of China’s most important innovation events was attended by most major players both internationally and in the Chinese ecosystem. Hungary participated in the event as the guest of honour on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Hungarian diplomatic relations.

The Hungarian delegation was headed by László Bódis, Deputy State Secretary for Innovation of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and included the heads of several background institutions, such as Ádám Kiss, President of the NRDI Office, and Dr. Zsuzsa Szabados and László Lengyel, Vice-Presidents.

During the visit, the Hungarian delegation had the opportunity to experience first-hand the impressive results of China’s growth in recent years, the research capacities that are astonishing from a Hungarian perspective, the impact of investments in research infrastructures, the modern Chinese path of corporate development, and potential areas for cooperation.

With the support of the NRDI Office, five high-level Hungarian university leaders and one young talented researcher were also given the opportunity to give professional presentations and hold cooperation talks in Shanghai.

Organised by the National Innovation Office, almost 20 Hungarian companies had the opportunity to present their latest achievements at the Hungarian pavilion, which was located in a prominent place, and to participate in a business partnering event.

Hungary, as the guest of honour, was invited to present its achievements in these fields to the hosts in the framework of a Sino-Hungarian Science and Innovation Sub-Forum. After welcoming speeches by László Bódis, Deputy State Secretary for Innovation and the Director General for International Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, representatives of renowned Hungarian universities and companies, as well as experts in Chinese health innovation and traditional medicine presented their achievements and shared their experiences.

During the Pujiang Innovation Forum, a meeting of the China-Hungary Joint Science and Technology Committee (JSTC) was also held, with the participation of high-level government representatives. Among other things, the JSTC reached an agreement on a new Sino-Hungarian joint research call to be launched in 2024, with a significantly increased budget compared to previous years.

By actively participating in the Shanghai event and by accepting the status of guest of honour, Hungary has signalled that its innovation ecosystem is ready to strengthen its opening to the East.

Source: Ministry of Culture and Innovation