Skolkovo, the state-sponsored innovation hub nearing completion outside of Moscow, is seeking to extend its cooperation with China. Opportunities for cooperation were discussed last week at the Sino-Russian Trade and Investment Forum by China’s Vice-Premier Li Keqiang and Viktor Vekselberg, President of the Skolkovo Foundation.
Various leading Russian and Chinese businessmen were also in attendence at the forum, including top managers of Lenovo and ZTE, two companies actively developing activities in Russia.
“We see China as a strategic partner that can stimulate technology transfers and synergize the scientific and technological potential of the two countries,” Vekselberg said. Included in Skolkovo’s plans is deeper cooperation with the high-tech centers of the Torch technopark of Tsinghua University and with Zhongguancun. The latter, better known as ‘Z-Park,’ is a science, technology, and software business incubator zone located in Beijing.
A joint direct investment fund is also being considered to finance breakthrough projects.
In a related note, last month, Skolkovo signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tsinghua University’s Torch technopark.
First contacts with Japanese companies
Vekselberg visited Tokyo on April 26 in a bid to develop relations with Japan. In addition to discussions with the Japanese ministries of economy and foreign affairs, meetings took place at Keidanren, a Japanese business association.
“We enjoy cooperation with US and European companies, but no Japanese companies so far,” said Vekselberg, who is seeking partnership with such corporations as Hitachi, NEC, Mitsubishi, and Toshiba.
Vekselberg also visited the Research Center of Applied Sciences and Technologies of the Tokyo university.
Source: The Skolkovo Foundation
