OCRI inks agreement with Zhongguancun Science Park

By Michael Darch

Zhongguancun Science Park, known as the Z-Park, redefines the concept of a Science Park. It covers some 230 square kilometres, has over 50 universities and 200 research institutes, a population approaching 4 million, 20,000 technology companies, and 1 million technology workers. It is the most critical of China’s 54 Science Parks. In Canada, it wouldn’t be a Science Park, it would be our largest city!

Dr Xia outlined China’s endeavours to tackle climate change with clean technologies at the UN on 11 February 2008. The Z-park is taking the lead in setting up a number of innovation groups to conduct research on clean technologies. It is committed to international cooperation to address the issues and determine solutions. It will lead the commercial activity to implement solutions. The Park is increasing its investments in the field. To quote Dr Xia’s address “Zhongguancun Science Park is duty bound to contribute its share to addressing the climate change challenges both at home and globally. It is endeavouring to explore a new model of development using clean technologies and promote progress in China’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission.”

Dr Xia and Michael Darch sign the Cooperation Agreement between OCRI and the Z-Park.

The Ottawa and Z-Park teams at the signing ceremony.

The Z-park puts words into action. In Dr Xia’s talk at the seminar, we learned that the Park had over 2000 companies in clean technology generating some 6B RMB in revenue. Dr Xia also discussed the six principles being used by the Park to guide its development. There are the usual principles: infrastructure, incubators and talent. But most intriguing is the commitment to Intellectual Property protection. Yet another myth bites the dust.

Next came the highlight of our trip, the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between OCRI and the Zhongguancun Science Park. The primary objective of the agreement between our two organizations: “enter into friendly cooperation in order to promote economic communication and cooperation between Beijing and Ottawa.” The agreement culminates nearly two years of relationship building, including a visit to the Park by Ottawa City Councillor Marianne Wilkinson. It will raise Ottawa’s partnership with both the Z-Park and Beijing to a new level and allow further development of our growing win-win economic relationship.

As I hinted in my previous blog, this was our biggest crowd yet, 102 representatives from universities, research institutes and companies. The Z-Park had done their homework and got the right people in the room. Interest was high throughout the day. During the one-on-one meetings, our universities and companies were busy right until closing at 5 PM. And, it was a Friday afternoon.

OCRI’s strategy to develop relationships and work with local partners in all markets has paid off at all three stops.

Our universities led the way again, each signing multiple letters of intent. Today, it was not only with universities but also with research institutes and companies. All our companies were kept busy throughout the afternoon and all were confident of positive results. There is little doubt that our Clean Energy Cluster’s decision to make China a high priority target was accurate.

By Friday evening our team was tired after a long week of both travel and meetings. All were looking forward to Saturday as a day off, with some returning home, some looking to explore Beijing, some making plans with friends and some just looking to relax. Work hard, play hard!

On to Hong Kong.    

(Mike Darch is Executive Director of OCRI Global Marketing)