A collaborative innovation center in Beilun district of Ningbo gathering numerous overseas engineers has emerged as an important engine fueling technical breakthroughs among local enterprises.

In April, the local authorities inaugurated the facility, which is designed to serve as a public platform where enterprises in the high-end equipment sector can seek technical support from overseas engineers. 

To date, the center has helped 372 enterprises solve 128 technical problems and developed more than 22 new products.

Beilun, as a national demonstration area for the implementation of innovative resources from overseas, has established partnerships with 9,500 foreign experts from 54 countries and regions around the world as of April, including the US, Russia, and Japan.

Roughly 500 foreign experts come to work in the district every year.

The equipment manufacturing industry accounts for more than 40 percent of the industrial output in Beilun, the highest percentage of any district in Ningbo. The innovation center comes as part of efforts by local authorities to accelerate growth in the sector.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face technical consultations between enterprises and overseas engineers have been moved online this year.

Li Changhua, an employee at the center, said that many local enterprises have reached cooperation agreements with experts from Ukraine and other Central and Eastern European countries through online exchanges. 

The CEEC is strong in metallurgy, welding and agricultural science and technology, which are needed in the domestic market, Li said, adding that they are becoming a bridge for technical cooperation between China and foreign countries.