Microelectronics University & Enterprise Cooperation Forum at the 7th Jiwei Semiconductor Summit sparks discussion on technology achievement conversion

By Kate Yuan

(JW Insights) June 5 -- Deans from over 60 well-known Chinese microelectronics schools and universities, over 50 semiconductor enterprise representatives, and investment institution top executives called on June 3 for closer and better coordinated communication and links among them for converting research and patent achievements into commercial and industrial applications.

They expressed their opinions in the round-table meeting of the Microelectronics University & Enterprise Cooperation Forum.

It was part of the 7th JWSS (Jiwei Semiconductor Summit) in Xiamen City of southeastern China’s Fujian Province, co-organized by JW Insights - China's leading consulting agency on semiconductor and ICT industries.

Lao Yao, founder and chairman of JW Insights, pointed out that universities are the driving force for the next wave of China's development and technology innovation.

Zhou Yumei, executive deputy secretary-general of the Demonstrative Microelectronics School-Enterprise Integration Development Alliance, said, "Today's forum is well organized, because we have realized that to convert research and patent achievements requires the power and resources of enterprises and investment institutions."

Li Dongjie, Director of the Investment Project Evaluation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission, said, “The semiconductor industry is currently in a downward cycle. Universities and enterprises should calm down and think about their cooperation direction”

The patent industrialization rate reflects the ability to transform patents into real productivity and to support the development of real economy. China’s effective patent industrialization rate was 36.7% in 2022, while that of Chinese universities was only 3.9%, according to the National Intellectual Property Administration, said Li.

Ni Zewang, chairman of Shenzhen Capital Group (深创投), called for institutional investors to actively guide the direction. He suggested exploring the specific achievements that can be converted and how universities can form a mechanism.

Dai Weimin, chairman of design service and IP company VeriSilicon (芯原股份), encouraged chip companies to hire more interns to train students' hands-on skills. “The more difficult it is, the more we should tilt towards fresh graduates, so that the industry can have enough talents to circulate."

Wu Hanming, dean of the Micro-Nano Electronics School of Zhejiang University, pointed out that the cooperation between industry and university is basically separated from the industry at present. “Many professors at Zhejiang University are engaged in startups outside of school while fulfilling teaching tasks. I support them. It is a form of achieving technology conversion as well." He also called on investment institutions to invest in university projects.

Wei Shaojun, the well-known Tsinghua University professor, holds the same view as Wu's. He pointed that "Our entire education system is actually detached from the industry."

Xu Hongxing, dean of the Microelectronics School of Wuhan University, stated that universities are encouraged to take the lead in the semiconductor field in terms of technology achievement conversion. “The support from various aspects is still insufficient, and relevant mechanisms have not been established.”

Zhang Wei, dean of the Microelectronics School of Fudan University expressed his hope that investors can communicate more with universities and guide professors to conduct research needed by the industry.

Cai Yimao, dean of the Integrated Circuits School of Peking University, said, “One of the difficulties is that state-owned capital pays less attention to and invests less in universities’ start-up teams. When private capital is involved, they may be worried about being constrained.”

The speakers at the forum also referred to the urgent need for interdisciplinary talents in universities with research and project operation capabilities. A good achievement can easily be wasted without scientific governance and capital incubation.

Long Shibing, dean of the Microelectronics School of the University of Science and Technology of China, said that universities have a series of problems in management and technology financing. Professors are good at technology research but lack experience in industrialization, experience management, market development, and financing.

This is the 3rd year for JW Insights to have organized the Microelectronics University & Enterprise Cooperation Forum.