2018 is the “China-ASEAN Year of Innovation”. In order to further promote the exchange of innovation policies between China and ASEAN, entrusted by the Ministry of Science and Technology, CASTED hosted the China-ASEAN Forum on Innovation Policy of Think Tanks on November 29, 2018 in Nanning together with the Guangxi Institute of Economic, Social and Technological Development. Focusing on the theme of “deepening policy exchanges and promoting innovation cooperation”, nearly 20 experts from think tanks of ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia as well as experts from relevant Chinese think tanks discussed the development trend of global innovation policies and the formulation and implementation of national STI policies, and conducted an in-depth exchange of ideas on the policy measures introduced by various countries on STI management, industrial technology innovation, financial technology and personnel training. Experts from various countries also offered suggestions for enhancing China-ASEAN STI cooperation, and expressed the desire to further deepen exchanges on STI policies and among think tanks to promote the building of the Belt and Road.

The success of the forum opened up a new channel of communication for deepening STI cooperation between China and ASEAN. As a research center focusing on ASEAN’s STI policies, CASTED will take this opportunity to better leverage the role of STI research institutions and further contribute to the building of China-ASEAN innovation community.