China is now the second largest economy in the word, with some reports projecting it will overtake the USA within the next decade. This represents a very large and growing market, seeking new technology and novel innovations to support modern lifestyles against the 'growing pains’ of fast development.
To meet this demand, China is also on its way to becoming a superpower in key areas of science and innovation. Recently reported as the second-largest spender on research and development (R&D) after the US (accounting for 21% of the world’s total spending of nearly $2 trillion in 2015) China is becoming a leader in innovation. Research and development is an indicator of investment in technology and future capabilities, and therefore plays a critical role in the innovation process and the creation of new products, processes and services (World Economic Forum, 2018).
China recognizes the importance of international partnerships in meeting this demand, with Canada ear-marked as a model international partner, with stable political and economic climates and many world-class research universities. While Canada enjoys a reputation for innovation and leading-edge research, the market for such novel products in Canada remains small has become quickly saturated. Therefore, larger markets must be sought to maintain economic growth and prosperity.
History of WIN-China Activities and Initiatives
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WIN-Soochow Workshop in Nanotechnology and Entrepreneurship, Soochow University, December 2-5, 2019: “The WIN-Jiangsu Research and Industry Network: Nanotechnology Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Leading Academic Institutions and Commercialization Hubs in Jiangsu Province”. A delegation of 16 WIN members, staff and industry affiliates travelled to Suzhou China for the 4th Reciprocal SUN-WIN Workshop in Nanotechnology Research and Commercialization for a 2-day networking and discovery workshop, also supported by the IRPG from the Office of Research, Faculty of Science, and Departments of Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The participating WIN delegation members include Michael Tam, Juewen Lui, Yuning Li, Boxin Zhao, Bo Cui, John Yeow, G Miao (ECE), Derek Schipper, Linda Nazar, and Graham Murphy, with industry affiliates Michael Wang (QuantWave) and Doug Dykaar (Diftek Lasers Inc).
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WIN member John Yeow spent one year at Soochow University on sabbatical leave as an adjunct professor teaching courses, conducting research with Soochow co-PI Xuhui Sun, and preparing for commercialization procedures at SIP for the start-up company, Core Technologies Inc.
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A WIN delegation visited the National Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (NCNST) at the Chinese National Academy of Sciences (CAS) for facility tours and strategic discussions on potential collaboration and funding programs for exchange students, faculty mobility, and large-scale international research funding. NCNST representatives present at the meeting include G Nie, Director of CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, NCNST researchers L Li, L Xie, and H Xiao, Foreign Affairs Specialist for S&T. The delegation was later joined by NCNST Director and WIN ISAB member, Dr Chen Wa
WIN-SUN partnership ceremony : In 2012, George Dixon, Terry McMahon, and the Soochow University president met to sign the agreement that would begin the SUN-WIN partnership.
Soochow University students visited University of Waterloo in September 2014
WIN-Soochow Workshop in Nanotechnology and Entrepreneurship at Soochow University, 2-5 December 2019
