As part of a week-long mission to China, representatives of WAITRO Operations e.V., Managing Director Dominik Reinertz and Program Manager Alina Brangs, visited Shanghai, Chengdu, and Nanjing to strengthen strategic partnerships, engage with key innovation stakeholders, and advance preparations for the upcoming WAITRO Summit 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The visit commenced in Shanghai with a strategic meeting between the WAITRO delegation, WAITRO President Professor Hasan Mandal, and Director of the National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE), Professor Liu Qing. Discussions focused on WAITRO’s future strategic direction, the further development of its global programs and services, and preparations for the flagship WAITRO Summit 2026, which will take place in Istanbul from 26–28 October 2026.
Advancing Global Innovation Through Action and Collaboration
Following the meeting, the delegation participated in the Global Industrial Technology Innovation Conference 2026 and China–Australia Innovation Week, which brought together leading representatives from government, industry, academia, and research organizations to discuss international innovation cooperation and emerging technology trends.
Alongside the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Australia, Xiao Qian, and former President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Robin Batterham, Professor Mandal delivered the opening remarks.
Under the theme “Leading the Path of Implementation – Strengthening Co-Creation for Our Common Future,” Professor Mandal emphasized the importance of moving beyond ideas and translating innovation into tangible impact. He highlighted the critical role of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges and pointed to the WAITRO Summit 2026 as a key platform for fostering implementation-driven collaboration.
A particular focus was placed on the Summit’s Co-Creation Workshops, which will bring together innovators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to transform promising ideas into practical solutions. President Mandal also highlighted the importance of the Climate Solutions Initiative (CSI), which will serve as a dedicated platform during the Summit to showcase and accelerate high-impact climate innovations. The initiative, focusing on emerging innovations and proven solutions, is expected to contribute to the Global Climate Action Agenda leading up to COP31, which is planned to be jointly hosted by Türkiye and Australia.
Exploring Innovation Ecosystems in Sichuan Province
Beyond strategic planning sessions, the delegation visited several innovative companies and technology institutions across Sichuan Province. The visit concluded with an exchange meeting between the WAITRO delegation and the EU Project Innovation Centre (EUPIC), in Chengdu.
During a two-hour strategic discussion, Secretariat Director Ran Duan and Managing Director of WAITRO Operations e.V., Dominik Reinertz, met alongside others with President of EUPIC Segree Dai and Vice President Theresa Luo. The meeting focused on identifying future areas of collaboration and exploring opportunities to connect European and Chinese innovation ecosystems through joint initiatives, projects and an international partnership.
The discussions laid the groundwork for potential future cooperation. More information coming soon.
