The Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) conducted a survey on the "deep integration of the innovation and talent chains to promote the upgrading of key sectors in the manufacturing industry" in Southwest China's Sichuan province from April 12 to 15.

Led by Zhu Yongxin, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and executive vice-chairman of the CAPD Central Committee, the research team visited enterprises and universities, and held a seminar with relevant departments of Sichuan to learn about the related topics and conducted in-depth exchanges with them.

At Dongfang Electric, Zonergy Corp, TW Solar and Cscec Scimee Sci &Tech Co Ltd, the team learned about production line upgrading, product R&D and innovation, the incentivization and protection of intellectual property rights, the introduction, cultivation and use of talents, and the development of green and environmental protection equipment manufacturing.

At the Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Sichuan Engineering Technical College, and Sichuan University, the team learned about the achievements and difficulties of the universities in the fields of key and core technology development, the transformation and application of scientific research achievements, the deepening of cooperation between universities and enterprises, and the collaboration between universities and enterprises to jointly cultivate talents.

At the seminar held in Chengdu, the provincial capital, Zhu said that the manufacturing industry is a principal part of the national economy and the foundation underlying all efforts to build and rejuvenate the nation. Promoting the deep integration of the innovation and talent chains will not only help promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry, but also the overall high-quality development of the entire economy. Efforts should be made to break systemic and institutional obstacles, enhance the coordination of innovation resources, encourage enterprises to play a dominant role in technological innovation decision-making, R&D investment, scientific research activities, and the transformation and application of scientific research achievements, and constantly stimulate the vitality of enterprises.

Zhu also emphasized the importance of talents building in the manufacturing industry. He urged for more efforts be made to solve the pressing issues faced by entrepreneurs, R&D personnel, engineers, management personnel and high-caliber industrial workers, so as to effectively improve the supply of quality talents and form a core driving force in the upgrading of innovation chains.

He noted that a policy guarantee system should be built to promote the deep integration of the innovation and talent chains, top-level policy design should be enhanced, and supporting policies and regulations in financing, taxation, intellectual property rights and the cultivation of talents should be optimized to help enterprises consolidate their confidence and promote the stable development of the manufacturing industry.