Next-gen IT to create new era of knowledge ecosystem

Thanks to new-generation information technology, innovation in China will see upgrades to its knowledge system, organizations' working formats and methods, said an expert at the eighth convention of the China Association of Inventions.

Wu Zhaohui, a professor engaged in the field of computer science and artificial intelligence with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was elected as chairman of the eighth council of the association during the convention held on Monday and Tuesday in Beijing.

Under the general working guidelines made by the Chinese government－to drive innovation, protect intellectual property and boost AI technology－new-generation IT will play a bigger role in innovation in China, Wu noted. Especially those involving the internet of things, big data and cloud computing.

The first change will take place in the knowledge system, in which more interdisciplinary knowledge and experiences will be needed. The second change will be formats of the working mechanism, in which teamwork and collaborative cooperation will be key. Third, the working methods should be upgraded to promote high-quality innovation.

Zhou Huiguo, deputy head of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, said the new leading group of the China Association of Inventions would strive to explore new working formats to assist the commercialization of invention achievements.

They should communicate with worldwide business insiders and contribute to help Chinese enterprises go global, inviting global talent and building China into a force of scientific and technological innovation, Zhou added.

Tu Youyou, a Chinese scientist and Nobel laureate, is one of the founding members of the association. She noted the importance of technology upgrades and independent innovation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in a video message at the event.

Members of the eighth council of the association were elected at the event, along with 21 vice-presidents and 207 members. They come from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China and 20 industrial categories.

Some of them are government officials and representatives from enterprises, scientific research institutes, colleges and universities. Others are outstanding talents on the front line of scientific research, IP management and representatives of international organizations.

The China Association of Inventions was established in Beijing in 1985 under the joint initiative of 135 people. They included Party and State leaders, academicians, social activists and foreign organizations. It pledges to mobilize public enthusiasm, support innovation and entrepreneurship, promote people's inventions, innovation and entrepreneurship activities, and popularize the idea of inventing in China.