From Blueprint to Reality: Xiong’an Emerges as China’s Global Innovation Gateway

September 15, 2025
Events

IMG-20250909-WA0248 — Delegates in Front of Panoramic Artwork International scientists and thought leaders, including Prof. Dr. Mike Chan (center), gather at the Xiong'an International Conference Center, symbolizing global collaboration on innovation.

Xiong’an, China (Sept 8–9, 2025) – In a landmark moment for China’s innovation strategy, Xiong’an New Area hosted the 23rd China International Talent Exchange Conference (CIEP), welcoming scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from over 100 countries to one of the country’s most ambitious development zones.

The two-day event opened with a warm welcome to foreign experts and guests, describing September as a season of innovation and growth. Xiong’an was hailed as a “City of the Future” — no longer just a blueprint but an active project designed to integrate smart infrastructure, sustainability, and high-end industry.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the 2024 Yan Zhao Friendship Awards by Hebei Governor Wang Zhengpu to outstanding foreign scientists and researchers.

A Global Welcome and Prestigious Awards

IMG-20250909-WA0069 — Yan Zhao Friendship Award Ceremony Hall: The Yan Zhao Friendship Award Ceremony in full session, celebrating cross-border contributions to science, technology, and development.

From Shenzhen to Xiong’an: A Strategic Shift

Since its inception in 2001, CIEP has served as China’s premier platform for global science and technology collaboration. Traditionally held in Shenzhen, this year’s move to Xiong’an signals a deliberate shift to position the city as China’s next powerhouse of innovation.

Launched in 2017 under direct guidance from China’s central government, Xiong’an was conceived as a green, smart innovation hub, designed to host research centers, advanced manufacturing, and future-facing industries. Hosting CIEP here underscores that Xiong’an is no longer just preparing for the future — it is actively shaping it.

New Talent Platform Unveiled

Hebei Vice Governor Zhao Dachun announced the launch of the International Exchange of Professionals in Xiong’an, a comprehensive platform aimed at attracting and supporting global talent.

The initiative offers:

💰 Research funding to jumpstart joint scientific projects
🏘️ Housing and settlement assistance for foreign professionals
🛂 Fast-track visa and residency services to cut red tape
🗂️ One-stop administrative support for licensing and project registration

“This is a place where ideas, research, and entrepreneurship converge,” Zhao said, inviting innovators worldwide to make Xiong’an their home base.

IMG-20250909-WA0246 — Delegates gather for the Biomedicine Section of the 23rd China International Talent Exchange Conference in Xiong'an, setting the stage for presentations from leading scientists including Prof. Dr. Mike Chan.

Global Collaboration in Focus

CIEP’s matchmaking sessions connected foreign scientists with Chinese hospitals, biotech parks, and research institutions to transform ideas into practical outcomes:

🔬 Joint research collaborations to accelerate clinical trials and approvals
🔁 Technology transfer agreements to bring regenerative products to market faster
🤝 Cross-border business partnerships to scale solutions internationally

IMG-20250909-WA0250 — Biomedicine Section Group Photo: Prof. Dr. Mike Chan (center, green jacket) with the six selected scientists and other delegates presenting in the Biomedicine Section of CIEP 2025 — a highlight of this year’s forum.

The final day also hosted the Shenzhen–Bavaria Biomedical Matchmaking Forum, where European speakers, including Barbara Theresia from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Daniel Lintner of Bayern International GmbH, highlighted Bavaria’s investment ecosystem for health-tech ventures and invited Chinese stakeholders to participate in co-development initiatives.

Hungary’s Dr. Major Laszlo Lajos, Chief Cardiologist and Government Advisor, introduced a novel atrial fibrillation treatment device that drew strong interest from Chinese cardiologists and investors.

Building Bridges Between Continents

IMG-20250909-WA0099 — Prof. Dr. Mike Chan, Senator of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) stands alongside BWA Chairman Michael Schumann. Together, they represent a powerful bridge for global trade, investment, and innovation.

Organizers reported strong interest in follow-up collaborations, with several Chinese medical parks planning delegation visits to Munich, Regensburg, and Budapest. Other outcomes included plans for dual-market product development and cross-border training programs for researchers and clinicians.

IMG-20250909-WA0103 — Group Photo in Front of the Conference Backdrop: Prof. Dr. Mike Chan (second from right) joins Michael Schumann (middle), Chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA), and Chen Yuping (second from left) Senior Representative at the conference — at the 23rd China International Talent Exchange Conference in Xiongan, China.

The Big Picture

CIEP 2025 in Xiong’an was more than a conference — it was a declaration that China’s newest development zone is ready to compete on the world stage. Delegates left with action plans, partnerships, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.

Xiong’an didn’t just open its doors; it showed it is ready to lead as a smart, global city built for collaboration — where science, technology, and international cooperation converge to build the future.

Reference

Read more about Xiong’an as the City of the Future: https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/383626

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