June 8, 2015 -- A milestone program was announced today in Shanghai to honor multinational companies in the city that are leading the way in adopting innovative practices.
The campaign will be co-organized by Shanghai Daily and Eastday.com, and sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Information Office and the Municipal Commission of Commerce. The three-month effort, under the banner “Innovation and Development: Multinational Companies in Shanghai,” is part of the city’s efforts to transform itself into a global center for new thinking and creative approaches to problem-solving.
The campaign will select 40 companies for awards, based on public voting and a panel of experts. All multinational companies whose innovative practices are in line with the city’s economic and social development plans may apply.
There are 506 multinational companies with regional headquarters in Shanghai by the end of April this year, helping to drive advancements in fields such as information technology, aeronautical science, biomedicine and environmental protection and etc.
Shanghai wants to become a “smart city” and welcomes input from overseas multinational companies working in tandem with local firms. Shanghai wants to become a globally competitive city and that requires staying ahead of the curve in a fast-changing world.
The Centre for Think-Tank Research and Management in Shanghai, comprised of professors from major universities in the city, will sit as an expert panel to review innovation applications. A decision on finalists will be based on their evaluations and on the results of an online public voting system via mobile platforms.
It is anticipated the 40 finalists will range across an array of services, including policy-related innovation, talent development, cooperation with local partners and interaction with local communities.
The winners will be announced in late October at a forum. They will join discussions with government officials, corporate executives and academics on how best to advance innovative trends in the city.
