In the run-up to the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit, the Think 20 (T20) Summit supported by the China Science and Technology Exchange Center (CSTEC) was successfully held in Beijing on July 29th and 30th. The T20 Summit was co-sponsored by the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and other major Chinese think tanks. The Opening Ceremony of the T20 Summit was addressed by Li Baodong, Chinese G20 Sherpa and Vice Foreign Minister; Yin Hejun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology; Cai Fang, CASS Vice President; and Zhao Baige, Vice Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the 12th National People‘s Congress. Nearly 500 guests from 25 countries and regions attended the Summit.

In his speech, Vice Minister Yin noted that China has always stressed science, technology and innovation (STI). In 2015, the full-time equivalent of Chinese R&D personnel reached 1.58 million per year, accounting for one fifth of the world’s total and representing the biggest pool of S&T human resources; China’s R&D input ranked the second in the world. Based on China’s own experience and trajectories of other strong economies, STI are key to drive across-the-board development. China and other members of the G20 are ready to strengthen exchanges with the international community and learn from each other. During this Summit, a T20 Innovation Forum would be held to stimulate discussions on building a cooperative, inclusive and dynamic global environment for innovation. The Forum demonstrated that global think tanks had directed great attention to innovation.