Association aims to promote technological, industrial integration

The Anhui Provincial Association for Science and Industry Integration Innovation held its second council meeting on Dec 2 at the GUiTEK Service Platform, working out a plan for 2026 to promote the alignment of industrial and innovation chains.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the chair unit iFlytek, vice-chair units Efort Intelligent Robot and the Hefei Institute of Technological Innovation, and other council members. It aimed to build consensus among various stakeholders and explore effective pathways for the deep integration of technology and industry.

Established in June, the association has welcomed 30 founding units and 143 key enterprises as members in the province. As Anhui's first specialized platform serving researchers, engineers, and product managers, it aims to streamline the innovation chains of market, research, engineering, and industry, connecting government, industry, academia, research, and finance, thus expediting the commercialization of technological achievements.

This year, regions across China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area are advancing global innovation hubs to accelerate the integration of technology and industry.

In line with national policies, Anhui has established this association to further support collaborative innovation and industrial development. 

The association is also committed to empowering niche industries by setting up special committees on AI, intelligent connected vehicles, and robotics, supporting government decision-making, and bridging enterprises with research institutions.

A representative from iFlytek highlighted the role of the association in bridging research institutions and enterprises, saying that it not only expedites the transformation of scientific achievements into productive forces but also fosters close collaboration along the industrial chain.

During the meeting, a plan for the association's work in 2026 was formulated, focusing on seven key areas, including organizational development, members' expansion, establishment of special committees, promotion and events, resource integration, and innovation in application scenarios and members' development.