The 13th China-Italy Science, Technology, and Innovation Week began on November 26, 2024, in Naples, Italy. Both countries pledged to strengthen technological innovation cooperation to address global challenges and promote mutual development. The three-day event, themed “The Value of Science and Technology in Responding to the Great Challenges of Our Time,” will include ministerial-level meetings, the signing of cooperation agreements, parallel forums, and one-on-one matchmaking sessions. Approximately 500 representatives from both countries will share their experiences and ideas on topics such as art and cultural heritage, food production and processing systems, climate change, and biodiversity.
At the opening ceremony, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun emphasized that scientific and technological innovation cooperation is a vital component of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy. Yin highlighted the importance of leveraging complementary strengths, increasing mutual benefits, and contributing to the economic and social development of both countries, the advancement of human civilization, and the building of a shared future for humanity.
Italy’s Minister of Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation in her opening speech. She also noted that scientific and technological innovation cooperation has always been an important driving force in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. She stressed that both sides should leverage their respective strengths, enhance dialogue and sharing, and work together to tackle global challenges.
On Monday, the two ministers held a bilateral meeting in Naples and signed a joint statement. Since its inception in 2010, this innovation week has been successfully held 12 times across various cities in both countries. It has become a key platform for collaboration between governments, businesses, and research institutions, facilitating over 6,200 technological matches in total.