On Feb. 28, 2023, representatives from Autonomous Region of Valencia (Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness, IVACE) and stakeholders from Chengdu (Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute, Tsinghua University, EIRI) met to discuss potential areas of cooperation in the field of energy, digitalisation and SMEs incubation

During the meeting, both sides introduced themselves and shared information about their respective organizations. IVACE, as the public entity responsible for the promotion of the competitiveness of companies and supporting innovative projects in the Valencian region, presented their ongoing projects and initiatives related to the development of circular economy and industrial symbiosis. Meanwhile, EIRI, a cooperation office focusing on promoting a low-carbon energy system shared their experiences and achievements in facilitating EU-China cooperation in energy innovation.

The two parties explored potential areas of collaboration, including innovative solutions and entrepreneurship in energy sector, facilitate internationalization, support research and development, and organize events and training programs.

1. Promoting innovative solutions and entrepreneurship in clean energy: working together to identify and support innovative projects that promote low-carbon energy and entrepreneurship.
2. Facilitating internationalization: jointly facilitating the internationalization of companies working in the field of clean energy.
3. Organizing events and training programs: co-organizing events, seminars, and training programs that focus on low-carbon energy and entreprenurship. These events can help organisations, entrepreneurs, and researchers to gain knowledge and network with other stakeholders in the field.

Since there are significant differences between Valencia region and Chengdu in terms of entrepreneurship culture, SMEs maturity, industrial focus, funding resource, policy and regulations, IURC team suggested to initiate cooperation with knowledge sharing on entrepreneurship culture and supporting system, funding environment and start-up regulations. This could help create a more favorable environment for cooperation in start-ups and innovation from both regions.

“We are very pleased to have had this opportunity to meet with EIRI and discuss areas of mutual interest,” said Ms. Raquel Aguado Muñoz, the IVACE representative. “We believe that by working together, we can achieve great progress in the field of energy innovation and entrepreneurship.”

EIRI also expressed their committment for collaboration, “We look forward to exploring more opportunities for cooperation with IVACE and contributing to the development of low-carbon energy solutions in the IURC China programme.”

The meeting was a positive step towards fostering cooperation between Valencia Region and Chengdu in energy solutions, digitalisation and entrepreneurship. Both sides expressed their commitment to furthering this partnership and agreed to continue the discussion and explore concrete cooperation projects in the near future.