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The “Sino-Italian Innovation Base-Camp” project (SIIB-Camp)

The SIIB-Camp project stemmed from the cooperation between Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Chongqing University and Bishan District — a district in Chongqing Municipality which hosts a National High-Tech Zone. The trilateral agreement was signed in February 2017 at the presence of Presidents Sergio Mattarella and Xi Jinping, and aims at the creation of the Sino-Italian Innovation Base-Camp (SIIB-Camp), which will be realized over 3 km² of land in Bishan.

The project will be developed during a pilot phase of two years. The GGII is coordinating the activities and funds assigned by Bishan Government as well as acting as an incubator for the SIIB-Camp. The main target of this project is the establishment of a centre for developing joint research and education programmes, technology transfer and start-ups incubation. The GGII is also in charge of recruiting other Italian partners, including universities and research institutions, together with large companies, start-ups, and financial entities willing to establish a long-lasting presence in the area.

The pillars of the project are:

Research:

  • Creation of joint research laboratories;
  • Design and accelerate joint research programs;
  • Scouting for research funds;
  • Joint participation in research calls financed by the EU and China;
  • Creation of a hotspot for the Italian academic community in Bishan to support technology and knowledge transfer.

Education: 

  • Creation of joint degree courses: Master’s and PhD programs held in the Area;
  • Exchange Programs to be held inside the Area and at Italian universities;
  • Visiting Professors and Research Programs;
  • Promotion of scholarships for academic programs in Bishan and Italy.

Technology Transfer and Start-up Incubation:

  • Incubation of start-ups and spin-off companies;
  • Matchmaking between Chinese companies and patents as well as spin-offs from Italian universities;
  • Organization of exchange activities in China aimed at promoting the latest technological applications and development trends;
  • Synergy and cooperation with large companies;
  • Support at roadshows and fairs.

Italian partners are supported through all the steps for setting up a new form of cooperation in Chongqing: identification of the interface in Chongqing, organisation of missions to China, support and development of the initial dialogue, definition of a sustainable business plan, signing of a bilateral agreement.

Italian partners engaging in the SIIB-C have the chance to identify a representative and scientific manager, who will be working as a member of the Italian Scientific Committee’s Secretariat, coordinating the SIIB-Camp activities.