GSF chairman addresses scientific innovation at forum

The 2025 Greater Bay Area Science Forum (GSF) opened in Nansha, Guangzhou, on Dec 7, bringing together leading global scientists to exchange views on artificial intelligence, life sciences, and green energy.

In his opening speech, Bai Chunli, chairman of the forum, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and founding chairman of the Alliance of International Science Organizations in the Belt and Road Region (ANSO), noted that global sci-tech innovation is entering a critical window shaping the international competitive landscape for decades. With interdisciplinary integration and group breakthroughs at the forefront, new principles and methods are emerging, fostering the development of strategic emerging industries. These changes demand stronger judgment to understand the laws and trends of sci-tech development.

Bai noted that real science and technology competition ultimately hinges on basic research, strategic resources, systematic capabilities, and patience.

He proposed three key efforts for the Greater Bay Area to build higher-level innovation capacity: systematic layout of basic research and strategic sci-tech forces; enhanced effectiveness of industry-academia-research integration; and deeper opening-up and cooperation.

Bai stated that the forum will continue to serve as a global open platform, promoting cross-regional flows of innovation resources, facilitating the transformation of original achievements in the Greater Bay Area, and helping it become a key hub in the global innovation network.

Bai Chunli, chairman of the Greater Bay Area Science Forum, delivers a speech. [Photo/WeChat account: GSFofficial]