China's strategic focus on research and technological advancement is reshaping global innovation landscapes, according to Takehiko Nakao, former president of the Asian Development Bank. Speaking at the Bund Summit 2025 in Shanghai, Nakao highlighted the nation's "remarkable progress" in cultivating talent through sustained investments in higher education and R&D infrastructure.
"The synergy between academic institutions and industries has created a dynamic ecosystem," Nakao told CGTN's Li Mengyuan during the interview. "This approach not only addresses domestic challenges but contributes solutions to global issues like climate change and digital transformation."
The remarks come as China reports a 12% year-on-year increase in high-tech industry output, with patent applications hitting record levels. Analysts suggest these developments could influence supply chain dynamics across Asia, offering new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
While Nakao acknowledged ongoing economic headwinds, he emphasized that China's innovation capacity positions it as a "critical player" in achieving sustainable development goals. The Bund Summit, attended by policymakers and business leaders from 40 countries and regions, continues to spotlight Asia's evolving role in global tech governance.
