China Insights’ Post

#Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) will allocate $1 billion over the next five years to support projects by #technology companies, #startups, and universities 🎯. The focus will be on developing advanced #chips for #artificialintelligence, #datacenters, wireless base stations, self-driving vehicles, care robots 🤖, and energy-efficient designs ⚡. According to a 2024 survey by the U.S.-based Semiconductor Industry Association and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), U.S. businesses held 51% of the global market, while Japan's share was just 9% 📉. To boost its competitiveness, Japan plans to invest over 10 trillion yen in public support for the #semiconductor and #AI industries through fiscal 2030 under initiatives announced last November 🚀. https://lnkd.in/ebKRzMp3

China leads in global sci-tech innovation clusters A humanoid smart robot works at an auto production facility in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.[ZHENG XUEXIONG/FOR CHINA DAILY] China's number of top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters continues to lead the world this year, according to a report of the World Intellectual Property Organization. The 2024 edition of the WIPO's Global Innovation Index released on Monday showed that China had 26 of the top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters, surpassing last year's 24. The United States closely followed with 20, it said, adding that Germany had eight, and India and South Korea each four. Seven of the top 10 science and technology innovation clusters globally are in Asia, with the rest in the US, it said. The dynamics of the top 100 science and technology innovation clusters indicate strong growth in innovation from middle-income economies, especially in China, the WIPO said. WIPO Director General Daren Tang said that science and technology innovation clusters serve as the foundation of a country's innovation ecosystem. The clusters are not only thriving in developed countries but are also gradually emerging in developing economies. He said that WIPO will continue to support these clusters, helping them leverage intellectual property to translate research outcomes into practical solutions. Each year, the index ranks countries and economies around the world, quantifying the spatial concentration of technological innovation activities. Tanks to chinadaily.com.cn Please visit: Our Sponsor https://lnkd.in/db49Wqvj

So while the internet space seems to have run its course and the EV sector has become overly crowded and hypercompetitive, new lanes such as AI, robotics and automation, intelligent manufacturing and low-altitude aviation are close to, or right at, their upward inflection points. More innovation and entrepreneurship will come from these sectors. And I think that's the essence of what the Chinese are calling "new quality productive forces", or simply technological innovation. That's the key to China's high-quality growth. I expect this will continue to manifest itself not only within China but also beyond its borders into other countries, especially those in the Global South.

🎉 AI Meets Manufacturing 🤖🔋 What’s the hardest part of running a battery gigafactory? According to the latest Fraunhofer report, it’s making electrodes. The process is so complex, with infinite ways things can go wrong, that it’s more of an art than a science. And like any art, mastering it takes years of practice—years that European manufacturers simply don’t have. But there might be a way around this bottleneck: yes, you guessed right - AI. Now, I’m not usually one to jump on the hype train when it comes to new technologies. This is especially true of manufacturing, where getting anything new—digital or otherwise—into a process is often more about overcoming psychological and administrative barriers than solving technical ones. This time is different, so let me share the latest news about AI and electrode manufacturing, I couldn’t help but be excited. 🚨 Here’s what’s happening: Last Friday, German industrial AI startup Ailoys signed an MOU with South Korea’s JR Energy Solution, the world’s first dedicated electrode foundry. Their mission? To apply AI to material science and tackle the most challenging part of battery production: electrode manufacturing. This collaboration could be a game-changer, unlocking faster optimization, reduced scrap rates, and, ultimately, better batteries. And I’m thrilled to have played a part in making this happen, connecting these two innovators and facilitating the partnership. Congratulations to Sergei Altynbaev and Duke Oh—your work could reshape the future of battery manufacturing! 🎉 💬 Are you looking to navigate green tech challenges or build partnerships in the cleantech space? Reach out to me for consultations on green technologies and strategies for scaleups. Let’s accelerate your journey to success! 👉 Follow me here on LinkedIn for more insights, and visit my website to learn more! #BatteryManufacturing #AI #ElectrodeFoundry #GreenTech #Innovation #Cleantech #IndustrialAI #EnergyTransition #ScaleUp

AI in Manufacturing: Revolutionizing Industries in Montenegro, Turkey, and Switzerland Manufacturing is another industry undergoing significant transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence. In Montenegro, manufacturing companies are beginning to incorporate AI into their operations, mainly for predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization. However, the limited adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across the country points to the need for more investment in infrastructure and skill development to fully realize AI’s potential. Turkey, on the other hand, is making strides in AI-powered automation, particularly in its automotive and textiles sectors. AI systems are being used to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and improving production efficiency. In addition, the Turkish government has introduced initiatives to support AI integration in manufacturing, offering grants and incentives for companies that embrace smart technologies. However, workforce displacement concerns and the need for retraining remain significant barriers. Switzerland’s highly advanced manufacturing sector is already a pioneer in AI integration, especially in precision manufacturing and robotics. AI systems in Swiss factories are employed to automate production lines, ensuring consistency and quality while minimizing waste. The country also uses AI for real-time monitoring of production processes, enabling manufacturers to adjust workflows instantaneously. However, the high cost of implementing these technologies limits widespread adoption, particularly among smaller firms. Will AI in manufacturing lead to a reduction in global manufacturing jobs, or will it create new opportunities for highly skilled workers? How can countries balance technological innovation with workforce protection? #AIManufacturing #Industry4.0 #SmartManufacturing #AIInProduction #Automation

🚀 4 Key Trends for China in 2025 🌏 In his latest 'This Month in China' newsletter, Pascal Coppens delivers a fascinating analysis of the trends shaping China’s future in 2025 💡 Here are four key insights from his observations that underline China’s growing influence on the global stage: 1️⃣ Chinese Companies Going Global 🌐 After a landmark year for Chinese New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) like BYD, Chinese companies are more confident than ever to compete globally. Despite tariffs from the U.S. and Europe, their competitive pricing and quality are making waves in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. 2️⃣ Large Language Models (LLMs): China’s AI Breakthrough 🔥🤖 Pascal highlights how startups like DeepSeek are challenging Western AI dominance. DeepSeek’s new open-source model delivers world-class performance at a fraction of the cost, signaling a shift that could make China the “GenAI factory of the world.” 3️⃣ New Industries on the Rise: Robotaxis, eVTOL, and Humanoid Robots 🚕✈️🤖 China is driving innovation in robotaxis (expected in 65 cities), flying taxis, and humanoid robots. These cutting-edge technologies are no longer just concepts – they’re being brought to life with cost-efficiency and scale, setting new benchmarks for global industries. 4️⃣ The “New Quality Productive Forces” Initiative 📊🌱 China’s NQPF initiative is redefining its economic model with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and productivity. This ambitious plan aims to transition from “Made in China” to “Created in China,” and from being the “Factory of the World” to becoming the “R&D Center for the World”, with KPIs introduced in 2025 to guide the nation toward becoming the world’s R&D hub by 2035. Ignoring what's happening in innovation in China is a mistake ☝🏼 – independent of global political discussions ▪️ Looking forward to the exciting nexxworks China programs we have planned for this year! 🙌 #China #Innovation #AI #Technology #Trends2025 #Business

Weekly Thoughts - #Longevity #BioTech #AI #Entrepreneur #Economy #Technology - 10/27/2024: 1. Japan, with its unique legislation, has a thriving regenerative medicine sector with a wealth of innovative applications emerging, making it worth following. However, caution is needed regarding the scientific validity of some therapies. 2. Longevity technology’s core still resides in the U.S. While Japan leads in commercial applications, the real cutting-edge advancements, such as cellular reprogramming, remain centered in the U.S. Progress is slow, but worth ongoing attention. 3. AI and robotic elderly care: While the vision is ambitious, the current technology falls short of meeting the actual needs of the elderly, requiring further breakthroughs. 4. A new approach to globalization: Chinese companies expanding globally should focus not only on selling products but also on integrating into local industry ecosystems and building long-term partnerships. This is key to true globalization. 5. Deep reflection: Japan’s experience offers lessons for Chinese companies—how to balance innovation with scientific rigor and how to find their place within the wave of globalization.

🌏🤖 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 🌍 Asia and Europe are facing significant population drops, with aging societies shrinking the workforce. Countries like South Korea, Japan, China, and Germany are responding by investing heavily in robotics to ensure economic resilience. Automation isn't just a trend—it's becoming a necessity. Robots are filling roles in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, addressing labor shortages and boosting productivity. These investments reflect a future where technology supports sustainable growth in the face of demographic challenges. 📌 Explore more here: 1️⃣ Robotic upside to China’s demographic decline (https://lnkd.in/eWN6vAQ7) 2️⃣ 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚, 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 (https://lnkd.in/ey9HF8vd) 3️⃣ 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 (https://lnkd.in/eEvxfYt5) What are your thoughts on the role of robotics in addressing demographic shifts? Let’s discuss! 💬

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 50 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 Long gone are the days when any serious commentator could pretend that Chinese companies weren't innovating. If we just look at the Forbes 50 Innovative companies there is a wealth of progress being made and significantly 80% of this year's list are newcomers. The innovation landscape is also expanding: the list has grown from eight to twelve sectors, now including emerging areas like hydrogen energy, fusion energy, and quantum computing. As more hard-tech startups gain significant investment, the scope of China’s innovation is widening beyond former priorities like photovoltaics and electric vehicles. AI-driven companies now rank among the highest-funded on the list, led by firms like Moonshot AI and Baichuan Intelligence, each amassing hundreds of millions in funding despite being established within the past two years. Another strong growth sector is autonomous driving with companies such as Pony.ai and WeRide. Overall, the report highlights how China’s innovation ecosystem is shifting dynamically, with AI, autonomous driving, and large-scale models becoming central. Market conditions, competitive pressures, and evolving global policies are driving this change, prompting Chinese companies to redirect their focus from legacy industries to new fields that offer high growth potential, further shaping the country’s innovation landscape. #innovation #China #technology #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #LLM

Today, China has the largest number of top 100 science and technology clusters worldwide. How did it get here, despite external challenges? By focusing heavily on research and development, strategic investments in technology and the continuous optimisation of the innovation environment. This proactive approach is not just about leading in technology but also about shaping the future of global economic and technological landscapes. #Innovation #Technology