The China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center was inaugurated on Thursday in Qingdao, Shandong province, marking a major step in strengthening multilateral collaboration in technology and innovation among Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.

Alongside the launch, 10 key international cooperation projects were initiated, covering sectors such as biomedicine, high-end equipment manufacturing and modern, efficient agriculture.

The center aims to serve as a platform for enhancing academic and people-to-people exchanges in innovation-driven fields. For instance, it will organize a range of events, including a conference focusing on China-SCO science and technology innovation cooperation, competitions on youth innovation and entrepreneurship, and exhibitions of scientific and technological achievements.

In addition, the center will promote joint project selection in priority areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, healthcare, modern agriculture, and climate change. Efforts will be made to facilitate research collaborations and support the establishment of international joint laboratories and research and development centers.

To further enable cross-border technology transfer, the center plans to set up an international technology transfer platform and improve services related to intellectual property and technology transfer management.

The initiative also includes establishing an international think tank alliance comprising experts from SCO member states. This alliance will deepen exchanges on science and technology policies and practical experiences, providing intellectual support for future international cooperation.