A GROUP of Chinese-born academics, headed by a UMIST professor, is spearheading the university research network to capitalise on the growth of the world's fastest-developing economy.

And it could bring huge benefits for innovative technology and manufacturing firms in the north west.

UMIST's Manchester School of Management and another 16 UK universities, including Salford, are to collaborate with an initial 32 universities and research institutes in China.

MSM's Professor Jian-Bo Yang is chair of decision and system sciences. He is an expert in computer systems and engineering, and is to lead and manage the project, which has won '64,000 of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council, to help promote exchanges over the next three years.

China is a huge potential market for UK industry and technology transfer, especially in key areas like computing, electronics, engineering, automation and manufacturing, driving forward its economy.

Now a group of Chinese academics, who have worked and studied in both countries, are among those behind the scheme to set up joint links which will benefit China and the UK.

Significant

Prof Yang said: "The UK's reputation as a centre of excellence in such areas was very high in China in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to a large number of cultural exchange programmes funded by the UK and Chinese governments.

"Hundreds of Chinese scholars studied in these areas in the UK, most returning home to make a major impact on the development of science and technology in China.

"Others remained here to enjoy significant achievements in their chosen subjects and are now about to join this research network, having gained at least 20 years' experience.

"They have indeed tried their personal best to build and maintain bridges between the two countries, but the impact generated by individual efforts is limited.

"This research network is intended to pool together the individual efforts for greater impact and longer-term benefits."

Prof Yang said that academics like himself, who are familiar with both cultures, education systems, research organisations and languages, can give great support and help to companies in the region who are looking to move into markets in China. Tweet