Foreign experts form foundation for city’s future growth, success
Local government entices professionals with resources and preferential policies, Tang Zhihao reports.
The Weifang Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone promotes a talent-oriented development strategy in an effort to forge a strong industrial zone.
“The zone welcomes globally high-caliber professionals to support our long-term growth,” said Chu Baojie, Weifang’s director of communications and Party chief of the zone’s working committee.
Andrew Bright, general manager of GoerTek Europe, who was responsible for the initiation and execution of audio integration across Apple’s iOS, Mac OS and Apple Watch product lines before joining GoerTek, visited the zone in early 2017. Bright joined GoerTek in April 2015 and has led his team to launch AM3Dbranded software, helping to enhance audio throughout different environmental scenarios such as while gaming, in cars and on mobile devices.
Chu invited Bright to be the zone’s ambassador to better connect the zone with outside markets.
Bright was impressed by the zone’s performance in education and industrial development. He said he would strengthen new products’ development with his team in Europe, as well as provide more experts and technological support to GoerTek and the zone.
Ma Xiangkun, deputy director of the zone’s Department of Organization, said: “A city cannot develop well without global experts. We must open our minds and integrate all resources to support the zone’s long-term development.”
The zone has actively made efforts to increase its human resources and has provided platforms for enterprises to grow together.
By the end of 2016, the zone had attracted 30 experts listed on China’s One Thousand Talents Plan, two professionals listed on the Ten Thousand Talents Plan and six experts recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology. It also has more than 100 provincial and city-level experts who can provide technological research support to businesses.
The zone has also developed several supporting programs to provide businesses with more recruiting opportunities.
Sun Zhanbiao, general manager of Shandong Sanhuali Mechanical Science and Technology in the zone, established close contact with Xu Weimin, a professor from Fudan University, in a business management class organized by the zone in May 2016.
Apart from providing intelligent support, Xu also helped Sanhuali to expand its sales network in China. It’s a good example of how high-level professionals can help with the growth of enterprises in the high-tech zone.
Supportive funding
The zone’s government considers trained experts to be its most valuable assets and provides necessary funding to support their research and development.
Shengrui Transmission Co — developer of the world’s first front-engine, front-drive 8-gear auto transmission, or 8AT — obtained more than 15 million yuan ($2.18 million) in supportive funding from the zone in 2015 and 2016.
Peter Tenberge, a professor specializing in mechanical engineering with the Ruhr Bochum University in Germany, obtained 1 million yuan in funding for development of the 8AT system from the high-tech zone government in May 2015.
Shengrui’s 8AT won the National Science and Technology Progress Award in January. The award is one of China’s top prizes devised by the State Council in recognition of scientific contributions made by both groups and individuals. The company has become the first auto parts supplier to obtain such an award in China since 1949.
“Shengrui could not have achieved such success without global talent support,” said Liu Xiangwu, chairman of the board of Shengrui.
In the development zone, smaller companies enjoy equal opportunities when they apply for talent funding.
Hoaco Automation Technology Co, a precision equipment developer and manufacturer in the zone, obtained 3 million yuan in talent funding from Shandong province, Weifang city and the zone’s government in 2016.
“Our business is still in a crucial era of development, which requires huge investments in R&D. The talent-supporting policy is very helpful to us,” said Song Guanghui, chairman of the board of Hoaco.
In 2016, the development zone provided nearly 28 million yuan in funding to more than 140 high-caliber professionals from around the world.
Apart from providing funds and technological support, the local government invested heavily in public facilities so experts in the area can enjoy excellent living conditions.
“Many professionals will take a city’s public facilities into consideration,” said Ma.
The zone has developed international schools, hospitals and churches to cater to the needs of global talents.
In 2016, the zone developed 325 well-equipped apartments for experts. Villas were also made available. Residential property purchase coupons and subsidies are available to experts moving to the area. Contact the writer at tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn Guo Yajing contributed to this story.
The zone welcomes globally high-caliber professionals to support our longterm growth.” Chu Baojie, Weifang’s director of communications and Party chief of the zone’s working committee