China's official think tank, the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), will be working on a global trend of technology innovation research effort in conjunction with the Li Ka Shing Foundation, with the idea of providing valuable policy consultation for China in its effort to develop an efficient technological innovation system.

The announcement came at a launch conference, on April 1, in Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where the think tank's vice-president, Long Guoqiang addressed the gathering, along with Dan Shechtman, a winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Solina Chau, head of the Li Ka Shing Foundation which was founded by Li Ka-shing and works in education, medical care, culture and public welfare on the Chinese mainland.

The two organizations will arrange a one-year research project and conclude it with a report on their in-depth studies and discussion. Prof Shechtman, official leaders and experts will take part in as advisers.

The research concerns global trends in technology innovation and China's own innovation development strategy to give China policy advice on how to follow those trends and improve the environment for improved innovation development. Areas of study include innovation trends in major industrial fields globally, typical technology innovation system in different countries, China's current technological innovation and related policies, and the role of venture capital in technological innovation.

Heading the effort is Li Wei, president of DRC and the research team will get experts, local governments and start-ups involved to better improve the project.

A launch conference of the research on global trend of technology innovation is held in Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, on April 1.

DRC vice-president Long Guoqiang makes a speech at the launch conference of the research on global trend of technology innovation, on April 1.