Zhang Xiaoyi

    417880236@qq.com

    REPRESENTATIVES from Europe gathered to present their research and technology funding policies at the China Hi-Tech Fair yesterday morning. They hope to encourage more China-EU cooperation in science and technology.

    The meeting also marked the 40th anniversary of EU-China relations.

    Xia Huanhuan, a staff member at the China Science and Technology Exchange Center, said this type of event had been held in 15 provinces and 16 cities in China starting in May this year.

    “All Horizon 2020 projects are open to Chinese participation,” said Dr. Laurent Bochereau, with the EU Delegation in Beijing. “In addition to the general openness, some Horizon 2020 work programs in 2016 and 2017 have topics that specifically encourage Chinese participation.”

    Horizon 2020 is an EU program to encourage research and innovation and will run from 2014 to 2020, with a budget of up to 80 billion euros (US$85.49 billion). Bochereau said H2020’s top three priorities are supporting researchers, developing competitive industries and tackling social problems.

    Lars Borresen, from Norwegian Consulate General in Guangzhou, said that though Norway is not an EU member, it has an “active role in H2020.” He stressed polar science, marine science and energy.

    Endre Spaller, vice president of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary, said Hungary is a small but international country with offices for Chinese firms like Huawei, ZTE and the Bank of China.

    The meeting ended with Halldor Berg introducing EURAXESS, an organization that helps introduce and provide information about research programs and funding details in Europe.