by Xinhua writers Zhang Jianhua and Ma Xiaocheng
GUANGZHOU, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is an important innovation base for the Emerson Electric Company, according to Edward L. Monser, president of the Fortune 500 corporation.
Emerson, established in 1890, is a leading U.S. multinational that manufactures products and provides engineering services for a wide range of markets.
In an interview with Xinhua, Monser, who has served as president of the company since 2010, said about one-third of more than 1,800 patents awarded to Emerson employees globally in 2016 were generated in China.
"This is clear evidence of the capabilities and quality of China's R&D community, and our commitment to developing this indigenous capability," he told Xinhua during a visit to southern China's Guangdong Province.
NURTURING TALENT
Emerson, which started business operations in China as early as the late 1970s, now boasts more than 23 manufacturing facilities and 22 engineering centers in China.
Monser said job training and employee development were a big focus for the company, which works with universities in China to support their engineering and technology curriculum.
"We believe that it's critical to nurture talent in China to support an innovation-driven economy," Monser said.
The company also partners with universities in China in boosting innovative teaching capabilities through various cooperation projects, such as summer internship camps, teachers training, lab, and technology competitions, he added.
According to Monser, Emerson is also working with the Guangdong's education authority to carry out a cooperation program with higher education and technical schools to train more engineering talent in China.
INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION
On broader cooperation between Emerson and China, Monser highlighted the significance of collaboration through digital ecosystems and industry alliances.
"We see that digital ecosystems provide enterprises new and better ways to pursue collaborative innovation," said the entrepreneur, who also serves as an advisor of economic development to the Guangdong provincial government.
"Besides sourcing suitable parts at the best price, enterprises can exchange ideas through digital platforms. Participants in China or overseas can contribute to the ecosystem and benefit others," Monser said.
In March, Emerson launched the expanded Plantweb digital ecosystem in China. It aims to help Chinese users and enterprises in the processing industry address new challenges in environmental protection, safety, energy-saving and reliability.
Earlier this year, Emerson partnered with the China Heat Pump Industry Alliance, a subordinate of the China Energy Conservation Association, to build the "China Air Source Heat Pump Industry Training Base" at the company's Suzhou training center in eastern China.
"Through this initiative Emerson is collaborating with local government to promote the development of China's heat pump industry and create a green, clean living environment," he said.
OPEN AND FAIR TRADE
Monser thinks the business environment in China is a positive one.
"We are pleased to see the Chinese government has made great progress in protecting IPR in the country," he said.
He added that an innovation-friendly environment and a commitment to Intellectual Property Rights protection and enforcement were vital for companies like Emerson looking to invest in China.
Monser also voiced support for fair and open trade, calling it the foundation of international commerce and an effective tool against protectionism that can harm both consumers and businesses.
"Emerson believes that governments, enterprises and organizations should promote dialogue between the U.S., China and other countries on trade and manufacturing policy issues, and address these issues in ways that allow manufacturing sectors to grow, prosper and provide good jobs for each country's citizens," he said.
