Shanghai introduced a package of 26 measures on Jan 8 to bolster foreign-funded research and development centers, aiming to strengthen their capabilities and enhance their role within the city's innovation ecosystem.

Q: What prompted the launch of these policies?

Shanghai recognizes the vital role of foreign-funded R&D centers in attracting global science and technology resources and driving technological and industrial advancement. The measures are intended to support China's strategy for high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, enhance Shanghai's core functions, and integrate foreign R&D centers more deeply into the city's efforts to become an international hub for sci-tech innovation.

Q: What are the key features of these policies?

One focus is on creating policy synergy. The measures address key concerns of foreign R&D centers by providing targeted support in areas such as talent acquisition and retention, data flow, open innovation, and customs clearance.

Another priority is strengthening policy support. The new policies focus on upgrading the capabilities of foreign R&D centers by increasing support for basic research investment, technology commercialization, and the integration of R&D and manufacturing. They also encourage foreign R&D centers to conduct more global and cutting-edge fundamental and applied research.

Q: What are the main highlights of these 26 measures?

The package contains 26 specific measures across 10 areas and prioritizes support in the following four key areas:

Increasing support for basic research and industry-academia-research cooperation: The city will increase support for foreign-funded companies participating in basic research and promote their active involvement in government research projects. The policy also facilitates collaboration between foreign R&D centers and universities and research institutions.

Supporting the integration of R&D innovation with manufacturing: Shanghai will guide foreign-funded manufacturing companies to build high-level R&D platforms aligned with the city's 10 key industrial chains and district-coordinated leading industries. The city will also increase R&D investment in high-growth fields such as smart terminals, embodied intelligence, aerospace economics, bio-manufacturing, and green and low-carbon technologies.

Supporting local ownership and operation of intellectual property: The measures encourage the local holding, operation, and commercialization of intellectual property achievements, and support foreign R&D centers in applying for the Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award. The city also encourages foreign R&D centers to engage in service outsourcing businesses, providing corresponding project support to eligible companies.

Continuously improving facilitation of factor flows: The package will further enhance support measures related to talent, customs clearance, and data flows. For instance, it will establish green channels for the cross-border flow of designated important data and optimize policies for foreign talent entry and exit, as well as local talent incentives.

Source: General Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government

Note: The English text is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.