Functional platforms to launch in Shanghai next month

Local government has set plans for the construction of the city's functional platforms on academic, scientific and industrial research, development and transformation, which will take effect in Shanghai starting next month, the government said.

The new plans provide support to local functional platforms on funds, talents and social services like medical care and education. So far, Shanghai has been building up 18 functional platforms in different fields with the support of local research institutes, enterprises and state programs.

According to the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, the document on implementation opinions towards the functional platforms, which has been passed by local government in November, 2017, gives specific interpretation on factors including these platforms' requirements, aims, functions and management.

These platforms, marked as a bridge connecting academia and industrial circles, are set to be built as internationalized and cross-regional innovative hubs with talent from home and abroad, which will help the city's construction as a center of science and innovation. The platforms are also encouraged to open to the public with their scientific resources, which will promote co-innovation and cut the cost of starting a business.

Besides government-sponsored funds, these platforms can also attract investments from society under the guidance of local government. Local government departments and district governments will offer support to the platforms as well on various fields like land, healthcare, talent introduction and children's education.