Dr Janine Chantson, chief director of Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) at the North-West University (NWU), recently represented the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) and the Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP) at the prestigious annual conference of the Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum in Beijing. The visit formed part of a knowledge exchange mission by ATTP, hosted by the Technology Transfer Professionals Association of China National Capital Region.

Held under the theme “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Science and Technology Cooperation”, the ZGC Forum is one of China’s premier platforms for international dialogue on innovation. The five-day event featured plenary sessions, a technology trade fair and several parallel forums attended by delegates from around the world.

ATTP chair Dr Alwin Wong delivered a keynote address, highlighting the diversity of global technology transfer ecosystems. On 30 March, Dr Chantson participated in the Global Network for Technology Transfer Professionals forum, where she served as a panellist in a session that focused on strategies to cultivate a skilled technology transfer workforce.

The forum also explored academic-industry partnerships and strategies to enhance professional training systems. “Engaging directly with counterparts in Beijing was invaluable,” said Dr Chantson. “It offered real insight into a fast-evolving technology transfer ecosystem and highlighted the importance attached to international collaboration.”

Beyond the conference, Dr Chantson joined site visits to Beijing Information Science & Technology University, medical research institutes and hospital-based technology transfer offices. She also held constructive discussions with regional associations on strengthening ties with ATTP and expanding RTTP accreditation efforts.

ATTP delegation at the opening day of the ZGC ForumDr Shi Gefu (China), Dr Vincent Zhong (ISTA), Dr Orakanoke Phanraksa (Thailand), Dr Janine Chantson (SARIMA, ATTP), Dr Alwin Wong (ATTP Chair); Dr Anji Miller (AUTM, ATTP), Dr Yang Xiaofei (China), Prof Fazilet Vardar Sukan (USIMP, ATTP), Chinese delegate, Dr Kousuke Kato (UNITT), Dr Andrea Ravaioli (NETVAL), Chinese delegate

ATTP delegation with the hosts, Technology Transfer Professionals Association of China National Capital Region, meeting technology transfer professionals from medical research institutes and hospitals in Beijing