Global Innovators Gather at BEYOND Expo 2024 Opening Ceremony to Discuss the Future of Technology

 

The Opening Ceremony, hosted and moderated by Jason HO, Co-founder of BEYOND Expo, featured an extraordinary lineup of distinguished guests. Through fireside chats and panel discussions, these leaders shared their visionary insights and groundbreaking work in various fields. Jason HO inaugurated the 4th BEYOND Expo by highlighting the current global uncertainties, economic downturns, and the transformative impact of AI on industries and the workforce. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that with the right mindset, partnerships, and strategic platforms like BEYOND, the community can collectively embrace and navigate these uncertainties.

Highlights from the Opening Ceremony:

Fireside Chat with Robin ZENG, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of CATL

Dr. Robin ZENG discussed the transformative potential of energy storage, highlighting its critical role in stabilizing renewable energy sources. He explained, “Because of energy storage, we can store energy in the morning and use it in the afternoon and the nighttime. This gives you more freedom to make timing differences. You can even store energy for the whole year to use it later on.”

Innovation, according to ZENG, is the key to addressing current challenges in the technology industry. He pointed out the ongoing issues with electric vehicles (EVs), such as range, charging, and low-temperature performance. “That’s why we keep innovating new technologies, which can really ease the concerns of our consumers,” Zeng concluded.

Fireside Chat with GUO Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International

At the fireside chat, GUO Guangchang discussed the sustainability of technology and startups: “Fosun has steadfastly committed to ‘Developing Business for Good’ by using commercial means to make society better. Fosun has been an entrepreneurial company for 31 years, we have engaged in many charitable initiatives and are enthusiastic about assisting startups. Supporting young entrepreneurs is highly valuable. Therefore, we have the Protechting Startup Accelerator Program, which aims to empower young entrepreneurs worldwide.”

GUO also emphasized Fosun’s commitment to ESG issues, highlighting one of Fosun’s public welfare programs that he cares deeply about is the Rural Doctors Program. “We have long aimed to support village doctors in caring for elderly and young patients who cannot access large cities. These initiatives reflect our commitment to making a positive impact on society.”

Panel Discussion: Siddharth CHATTERJEE, UN Ressident Coordinator in China and Jon CREYTS, CEO of RMI

The panel discussion on climate tech featured two leaders in the field. Siddharth CHATTERJEE highlighted: “We’ve seen a crisis of health with the COVID pandemic, which showed the fragility of human health and health systems. The second is a crisis of the climate, which has upended lives and livelihoods. I think what we need to do now is find a new multilateral space, bringing together nation states and not just nation states, but also public-private partnerships, to give velocity to the climate agenda. Because quite clearly, that 1.5℃ rise may become completely unachievable unless we get together to deal with it.”

Jon CREYTS added, “We have to accelerate innovation, especially in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, aluminum, heavy freight, shipping, etc. These ideas are going to come from all over the world, and we need to ensure that there is alignment between venture capital, equity investment, and bank financing to support these innovations. We also have to scale existing solutions. This is the area where significant reform needs to happen so that we can mitigate the risk associated with project pipelines.”

Panel Discussion: LIU Qingfeng, Chairman of iFLYTEK Co., Ltd., XU Bing, Co-founder of SenseTime, and ZHANG Wen, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Biren Technology

The panel offered deep insights into the future of AI. LIU Qingfeng underscored a fundamental principle in AI development, stating, “The focus of AI development should be on building a better world, not merely changing it. The future belongs to those who master AI, rather than to AI itself.” He addressed concerns about AI’s impact on employment, adding, “AI should evolve with humanity, empowering individuals to become better versions of themselves.”

XU Bing highlighted AI’s pivotal role across industries and the necessity for a diverse global AI market. He emphasized, “AI’s development has a profound global impact, creating substantial value across economic and labor sectors. This growth will foster numerous new enterprises valued from hundreds of billions to trillions of dollars, bringing disruptive innovations to education, healthcare, social interaction, gaming, and entertainment.”

ZHANG Wen added, “The gap in AI capabilities between China and the US is likely to narrow in the long term.” He further elaborated, “Contrary to concerns about AI development being too fast, I think the progress has been too slow. The impact of internet is far greater than that of AI. I believe AI will have a huge impact on humanity in 5 to 10 years, but in the short term, the impact won’t be as significant.”

Fireside Chat: Neil SHEN, Founding and Managing Partner of HongShan Capital

Finally, Neil SHEN shared his insights on embracing uncertainties, which is also the theme of BEYOND Expo 2024. “As investors, particularly in venture capital, dealing with uncertainties is a constant reality. These uncertainties arise from multiple sources. Our portfolio companies face inherent business uncertainties, but broader challenges also play a significant role. Financial market fluctuations can impact even early-stage companies, affecting capital availability and venture funding.”

SHEN further elaborated, “Disruptive technologies add another layer of uncertainty. For our portfolio CEOs, the key is to anticipate and strategically position for such uncertainties. Much like adjusting speed to navigate potential hazards on a highway, being proactive, staying ahead of trends, and planning strategically are crucial.”

He emphasized, “For companies aiming to establish their differentiation, it is crucial to delve deeply into one area to develop expertise. The first essential step is to become a dominant leader in a specific field before considering expansion.”

The BEYOND Expo 2024 opening ceremony set the stage for an inspiring and thought-provoking event, driving forward the conversation on what’s next in technology and innovation. BEYOND Expo will run from May 23 to May 25 at the Venetian Macao Cotai Expo. Themed “Embracing the Uncertainties,” the event will cover three sub-brands: BEYOND ConsumerTech, BEYOND ClimateTech, and BEYOND Healthcare. The expo is anticipated to attract industry leaders, innovators, investors, and professionals from various sectors, to explore and discuss the latest advancements in technology. This diverse gathering promises to foster collaboration and inspire groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future.

About BEYOND Expo 2024

The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia’s leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions. BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia’s Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry.

BEYOND Expo 2024 is being held at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, a leading conference, meetings and exhibition venue in Macao. It is one of the largest MICE venues in Asia and has approximately 71,000 square meters of exhibition space. It features six independent exhibition halls over two levels, accommodating up to 5,000 exhibitors. It offers a wide range of flexible spaces, an international team of professional event planners, and a one-stop MICE solution with diverse facilities and services.

https://innovatorawards.org/

Clarivate Reveals Top 100 Global Innovators 2024

 

London, U.K., March 5, 2024 – Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today revealed its 2024 list of Top 100 Global Innovators™ – organizations leading the world in technology research and innovation. For the first time, Clarivate ranked the top 100 organizations to provide a more defined view, as competition for exceptional patentable ideas grows more intense.

New this year: This year, Clarivate is revealing the Top 100 Global Innovators 2024 ranking. The Top 100 Global Innovators are performing well above all other innovators globally. Each of these companies and research institutions have invested in innovation with conviction and consistency. Their work crosses disciplines and industries, and shapes future direction.
Rank Top 100 Global Innovators 2024
1 Samsung Electronics
2 Canon
3 Honda
4 Toyota
5 Seiko Epson


Geographical spread: Ten countries and regions are identified in this year’s list – two less than last year. Japan maintains its position as the biggest contributor of Top 100 entities with 38 organizations named followed by the United States with 17, two less than in 2023. Asia continues to extend its leadership in the global innovation ecosystem with 62 organizations listed in 2024, four more than in 2023. Taiwan has 11 organizations named, South Korea has eight, three more than in 2023, and Mainland China five, one more than last year. In Europe, Germany has seven organizations named, France has six, Switzerland has four, Netherlands has three and Sweden has one.

Industry sectors: Industrial segments have increased representation in this year’s list, a trend seen in last year’s report. Industrial systems saw a significant increase (+4) alongside Semiconductors (+2) and Software, media, and fintech (+1). However, momentum has not been uniform, with decreases observed across several segments this year. Chemicals and materials declined (-3), as did Industrial conglomerates (-2).

Gordon Samson, President, Intellectual Property, Clarivate, said, “To feature as a Top 100 Global Innovator is no mean feat as maintaining an edge in the innovation ecosystem is harder than ever. Organizations must balance experimentation and risk with discipline and reward. We measure and rank innovative performance in a dynamic and thorough way, using live thresholds of differentiation. At Clarivate, we think forward by analyzing the quality of ideas, their potency and their impact to identify the world’s top innovators, and this year we’re revealing the ranking of these innovators for the first time.”

Other key findings from the 2024 report include:Two companies awarded Top 100 status for the first time: Taiwan electronics company Coretronic and Japan precision tool manufacturer Disco.
Three companies re-enter the Top 100: Tencent, Daikin Industries, and Zeiss.
18 all-time recipient organizations retained Top 100 Global Innovator status: Samsung Electronics, Honda, Toyota, GE, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Sony, Hitachi, Toshiba, Ericsson, Qualcomm, Dow, Fujitsu, Boeing, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Honeywell, NEC, and Roche.
A look at the bigger picture, based on the Top 1,000 entities, suggests continued growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Innovators in Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are predicted to improve their average rankings.
Based on predictions from the Top 1,000 organizations, the government and academic research segment will significantly contribute to applied innovation.

To build the Top 100 Global Innovators 2024 report, the Clarivate Center for IP and Innovation Research™ measures the quality of ideas, their potency and their effect. To achieve this, we combine modern analytical architecture with over 60 years of experience from Derwent World Patents Index™ (DWPI™) and Derwent Patent Citation Index™.

Learn more about Top 100 Global Innovators 2024 here.

# # #

Methodology

The Top 100 Global Innovators uses a complete comparative analysis of global invention data to assess the strength of every patented idea, using measures tied directly to their innovative power.
To move from the individual idea strength to identify the organizations that create them more consistently and frequently, Clarivate sets two threshold criteria that potential candidates must meet and then adds a measure of their patented innovation output over the past five years.
For full information on the methodology used to identify the 2024 list, see here.

About Clarivate Center for IP and Innovation Research™

Combining more than 60 years of intellectual property experience, the Clarivate Center for IP and Innovation Research empowers organizations worldwide to excel by providing expert guidance grounded in pioneering benchmarks and data-driven insights. Bringing together senior practitioners, consultants and data analysts, the Center performs research to establish and disseminate benchmarks that guide management and strategy. It works with legal, IP and innovation leaders to optimize IP operations and technology and improve IP decision-making, supported by industry-leading data, analytics and proven practices.

About Clarivate

Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Scientific advancement and innovation research in Asia

 

Prof Dr Preethi Kesavan, Head, School of Advanced Technology and Digital Media, at LSBF Singapore, explores scientific advancement and innovation across Asia from a regional perspective




In the global scientific advancement and innovation landscape, Asian countries have risen as formidable players, driving cutting-edge research and technological breakthroughs. While Japan has historically been a frontrunner in scientific innovation, it is imperative to recognise the remarkable strides made by other nations in the region.

This editorial explores the diverse spectrum of scientific endeavours and innovation hubs in Asia, excluding Japan, highlighting their substantial contributions to the global research landscape.
Singapore research and innovation

Singapore has emerged as a leading hub for research and innovation across healthcare, urban sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Key contributors include the government Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), renowned healthcare provider SingHealth, industrial developer JTC, investment company Temasek Holdings, and conglomerate Keppel Corporation. These entities collaborate with academia and industries, embodying Singapore’s commitment to scientific progress, innovation, and a supportive ecosystem for research and development.
India research and innovation

India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), showcased its research prowess with missions like Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1. Chandrayaan explored the Moon’s surface, revealing vital lunar data, while Aditya-L1 is set to study the Sun’s corona, enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics and space weather. With its vast talent pool and growing research infrastructure, India has become a global hub for innovation in pharmaceuticals, information technology, and space exploration. Initiatives like the ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan and the country’s thriving startup ecosystem exemplify India’s scientific advancement and technological innovation contributions.

Moreover, the rise of innovation hubs and research clusters in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Shenzhen underscores the importance of urban innovation ecosystems in driving scientific advancement. For example, Bangalore, often called the “Silicon Valley of India,” is home to a vibrant startup ecosystem and world-class research institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and ISRO.

On the other hand, Hyderabad has emerged as a hub for biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, with institutions like the Genome Valley and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) leading the way in genomics and drug discovery.
AI, computing and space exploration in China

China has emerged as a powerhouse in various scientific domains, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and space exploration. China’s development of the Tianhe supercomputer, ranking among the fastest in the world, underscores its prowess in AI research.

Additionally, the country’s quantum satellite, Micius, has enabled groundbreaking experiments in quantum communication, demonstrating China’s leadership in quantum computing technology. Similarly, Shenzhen’s rapid transformation from a fishing village to a global innovation powerhouse is exemplified by the success of companies like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, which have revolutionised industries ranging from telecommunications to drones.
South Korea research and innovation strides

Similarly, South Korea has made significant strides in biotechnology, information technology, and green energy. Samsung Biologics, specialising in biopharmaceutical production, has become one of the world’s leading contract manufacturing organisations.

For example, the country’s commitment to offshore wind energy development, exemplified by projects like the Jeju Hanlim Offshore Wind Farm, showcases its efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. The country’s emphasis on research and innovation has led to breakthroughs in areas such as stem cell research, semiconductor technology, and renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power.
Innovation in other Asian countries

Meanwhile, countries like Malaysia and Thailand are making remarkable strides in agricultural innovation, leveraging technology to enhance crop yields, mitigate environmental impact, and ensure food security in the face of climate change.

Expanding upon the regional scientific ecosystem, it is crucial to highlight the role of emerging economies such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These countries are experiencing rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, driving demand for innovative solutions to address pressing societal challenges. For instance, Vietnam has made significant strides in agricultural innovation, implementing precision farming techniques and developing drought-resistant crop varieties to enhance food security and mitigate climate change impacts.

Similarly, Indonesia’s burgeoning tech industry fosters innovation in fintech, e-commerce, and renewable energy, with startups like Gojek and Tokopedia gaining international recognition for their contributions to the digital economy.

Furthermore, the Philippines is leveraging technology and research to address healthcare challenges, with initiatives like the RxBox telemedicine device enabling remote patient monitoring and diagnosis in underserved areas. Similarly, the Philippines’ initiatives, like the New Clark Smart Green City project, integrate sustainable urban planning principles with innovative infrastructure solutions to create eco-friendly and resilient urban environments.
Asia’s rich tapestry of scientific diversity

Asia boasts a rich tapestry of scientific diversity, with each country contributing its unique expertise and resources to the global scientific community. Moreover, collaborative initiatives such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and regional research networks foster cross-border partnerships, amplifying the impact of scientific endeavours.

Despite the remarkable progress, several challenges persist in the path of scientific advancement across Asia. Limited funding and inadequate infrastructure pose hurdles to sustained innovation in many countries. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, academia, and industry stakeholders to invest in research infrastructure, foster talent retention, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
Nurture innovation and scientific inquiry across Asia

As we look to the future, we must nurture a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry across Asia. By investing in education, research infrastructure, and collaborative networks, countries in the region can unlock their full potential and drive transformative change globally. Moreover, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the scientific workforce will ensure that the benefits of innovation are equitably distributed across society.

In conclusion, the scientific landscape across Asia is vibrant and dynamic, with countries across the region making significant strides in research and innovation. By harnessing their collective strengths, leveraging emerging technologies, and fostering collaboration, these nations have the potential to shape the future of science and technology on a global scale.