#China #Shanghai #Global Collaboration #Pujiang Innovation #Sci-Tech Forum

Pujiang Innovation Forum 2026: A Platform for International Scientific Collaboration

The 2026 Pujiang Innovation Forum, held in Shanghai from September 11 to 14, brought together experts from around the world under a compelling theme: "Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution." Over the course of four days, attendees engaged in intensive discussions that spanned various domains of science and technology.

Key Highlights from the Forum

Among the prominent speakers was Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa, a pharmacology professor at the University of the Free State in South Africa, who emphasized the proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go with friends," highlighting the essence of collaboration in achieving substantial progress. This sentiment resonated deeply throughout the forum, as over 50 countries were represented, along with numerous international organizations.

The event featured an extensive agenda, consisting of an opening ceremony, a central forum, and 24 sub-forums grouped under three principal tracks: basic research, future industries, and innovation ecosystems. The range of topics discussed included cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science, brain-computer interfaces, and breakthroughs in biomedicine.

This year, South Africa earned the distinction of being the Country of Honor, marking a significant milestone as the first African nation to receive this title at the forum. A special South Africa Pavilion was established to showcase over ten innovative projects across various domains, including agriculture, medicine, aerospace, and hydrogen energy. Matsabisa proudly noted that this recognition places South Africa prominently on the global stage, showcasing its innovative capabilities.

During the forum, Eric Rafahele, a political and economic counselor at the South African Embassy in China, expressed hope for enhanced scientific and technological cooperation between South Africa and China. He underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts to address some of the world's pressing scientific challenges.

Initiatives and Collaborations Announced

Several key initiatives emerged from the discussions, aimed at fostering global open innovation and promoting equitable academic governance. Notably, Shanghai entered into a collaborative agreement with UNESCO to initiate the Global Innovative Cities Alliance. This platform seeks to gather urban innovation insight globally, enhancing collaboration between cities and striving for a sustainable, open future in science and technology.

The forum also introduced the 2025 World-Class Sci-Tech Journal Directory, designed to create an impartial framework for assessing academic journals, particularly those from emerging economies. This initiative aims to contribute to a more balanced global academic ecosystem.

Among the notable presentations was the Pearl Constellation Initiative, addressing advancements in space-based computing infrastructure, along with CAR-T therapy developments for solid tumors. Ten critical basic research questions were also unveiled, targeting areas such as AI's mathematical foundations, quantum error correction, and complexities of aging.

Discussions at the main forum delved into how AI is revolutionizing scientific research paradigms and bridging the gap between foundational research and industrial application. Benoit Dubuis, president of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences, emphasized that openness and integration are crucial to innovation. He remarked, "No single country can tackle today's complex sci-tech challenges on its own," alluding to China's unique capabilities for collaborative innovation.

Looking Ahead

The Pujiang Innovation Forum serves as an important meeting point for global scientific discourse, poised to continue fostering meaningful international collaborations. Lauded by various governmental leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and China's Minister of Science and Technology, the forum is strategically co-hosted by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government since its inception in 2008. Its ongoing efforts to connect diverse stakeholders signal a bright future for innovation and collaborative progress worldwide.