Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong) establishes pilot Auto Industry Support Programme for Partnering into China
21st February 2014
Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong), a subsidiary of the technology commercialisation company of the University of Oxford, has established a pilot support programme for Australian automotive engineering companies looking for Chinese partners.
Under the programme, Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong) consultants will help selected companies, especially SMEs, find appropriate partners for development of new products for the Chinese automotive supply chain.
As well as finding customers or distributors, Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong) will also help companies find investors with an appetite to invest in growing businesses.
Dr David Baghurst of Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong) said:
‘The Oxfordshire region of the UK is a centre of excellence for automotive engineering and motorsport. BMW and many Formula 1 teams are based here, as well as specialist suppliers. Oxford University Innovation has a lot of experience in evaluating new auto engineering products.
‘Oxford University Innovation has been developing in China by establishing a network of collaborations with local government, investors and manufacturing businesses. We realise that many of the partners in our collaborations are Chinese auto component entrepreneurs. These supporters are keen to identify next generation products to bring to fruition in the Chinese and overseas markets.’
One auto-related Isis collaboration is in the Chinese National Level Liudong auto industry park in Liuzhou, Southwest China. With a population of 3.71m, Liuzhou is home to 3,000 companies including a number of joint ventures created by industrial giants such as General Motors, Nissan and Renault.
Mr Huanquan He, Director of Liudong New District Administration Committee, said:
‘Liuzhou is developing into an international economy. With the ongoing development of the city we are committed to gaining access to the worlds’ best new ideas in vehicle and automobile components, new energy products, non-ferrous metal materials processing and other business fields.’
Professor the Hon Stephen Martin, CEO of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia said:
‘We are delighted that Isis has established a pilot Auto Industry Support Programme for Australian SMEs, which we view as a natural outcome of the Innovation Management master classes that were delivered by Isis, and run by CEDA in Australia last year.’
Helen Ujvary, Isis’ Australia representative, said:
‘The automobile industry in South Australia has suffered a series of setbacks in the last few months with plant closures announced by the likes of Holden and Toyota. I hope that the introduction of this support programme will enable some SA businesses to find appropriate export partners.’
Notes for editors:
About the CEDA Innovation Management Masterclass
Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong) has developed a two-day Innovation Management Masterclass sponsored by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). The Masterclass topics include:
- alternative business models
- product and service innovation
- managing R&D
- managing people
- managing intellectual property
Each masterclass includes numerous case studies including presentations from local innovative SMEs. An event in Darwin in 2013 contributed to the establishment of a local Innovation Club.
Enquiries to:
Helen Ujvary, Australian Representative
Oxford University Innovation (Hong Kong) Ltd
Helen.Ujvary@innovation.ox.ac.uk
T: +61 (0)419 824 583
