At the 2025 World Smart Industry Expo (WSIE) on September 5, Dr. Zhaoyuan Ma, PhD in Physics from the University of Oxford and Fellow of the UK Institute of Physics, took the stage to unpack the next chapter of the Chinese mainland’s manufacturing evolution. His keynote, titled “Smart Manufacturing in China: The Second Half of the Upgrade Game,” drew on decades-old lessons and real-world case studies to map out a path forward.
Learning from the Past
- US de-industrialization: Dr. Ma highlighted how a shift away from research and advanced manufacturing can hollow out an industrial base over time.
- Sheffield’s re-industrialization: He showcased how the UK city reignited its economy by linking universities, local firms, and government to co-develop smart factories.
- A unique Chinese journey: By comparing these stories, Dr. Ma argued that the Chinese mainland is entering the “second half” of its own manufacturing upgrade – one driven by automation, data analytics, and green tech.
AMRC’s Role in Bridging Research and Industry
The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) serves as a living lab where researchers and industry partners co-innovate. From pilot production lines equipped with IoT sensors to AI-powered quality control, AMRC projects illustrate how theory meets real-world demands. Dr. Ma emphasized that these collaborations accelerate time-to-market and de-risk large-scale rollouts.
What This Means for Global Innovators
- Entrepreneurs and startups can plug into open innovation platforms, offering niche solutions for robotics, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency.
- Young professionals will find new career pathways in cross-functional teams blending data science, engineering, and sustainability.
- Thought leaders and changemakers can study these models to advocate for policies that balance growth with environmental and social impact.
- Travelers and digital nomads may even discover tech hubs in former manufacturing towns, where heritage meets high-tech transformation.
As the Chinese mainland accelerates its smart manufacturing game, the ripple effects will be felt across global supply chains and innovation ecosystems. For young global citizens, the key takeaway is clear: the future of industry lies at the intersection of research, collaboration, and advanced technology.
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Bridging research & industry: AMRC guides China's manufacturing
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