A China-UK innovation policy seminar, co-sponsored by MOST Department of International Cooperation and the British Embassy in Beijing, was held on March 25, 2010 in Beijing. Some 100 representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Development Research Center of the State Council, Beijing Municipal S&T Committee, Tsinghua University, Peking University and others, attended the event. David Bacon, Counselor Science and Innovation addressed the audiences of the policies adopted by the UK government in the area of innovation, technology, and life sciences, and the role played by government in scientific research, knowledge transfer, and innovation. He also distributed to the participants the latest report on science and innovation policies in the UK.

Chinese speakers introduced the innovation policies adopted by the Chinese government, reviewed S&T cooperation between the two countries, and pointed out that it is desirable for China to learn the UK’s proven experience in the area of innovation policies. Chinese speakers also believed that government is in a position to play an extremely important role in innovation activities, especially by creating an agreeable environment.