Expanding co-operation between the National Documentation Centre (EKT) and the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC) was discussed during a visit ISTIC paid to EKT on Monday 29th August. Their ultimate goal is to strengthen their relationship in the area of scientific and technological information and the promotion of science and technology in both countries. Given the fact that in recent years, the already close relations between Greece and China have grown in a number of sectors and activities other than their close trade relationship, EKT and ISTIC discussed further developing their collaboration which began on 12th June 2012 with a Memorandum of Understanding.
Representing ISTIC were: Tong Hefeng (Doirector of General Office), Zhang Yiyan (Associate Research Librarian, Research Centre for Strategic Science and Technology Issues) and Jiang Quixing (Associate Professor, Research Centre for Strategic and Technology Issues). They were accompanied by Tian Zhong, First Secretary of the People’s Republic of China’s Embassy in Greece. During the meeting, both organisations gave detailed presentations of their activities. Also discussed were the principle features of R&D and Innovation in Greece and China, particularly activities relating to the fostering of academic communication on an international level, the widest possible dissemination of knowledge and information in the area of scientific production in both countries, the application of open access policies and the efforts for a better understanding of science among the public.
The meeting highlighted a common approach to goals and activities of the two organisations, as well as their aim to promote recognition of scientific work carried out in Greece and China.
Topics covered in the meeting referred to:
• development of information systems both technological and business,
• tools used by both organisations for similar purposes
• in-depth study and comparative analysis of innovation systems so as to inform the relevant policy makers
• highlighting the existing collaborations between China and Greece and the possibilities for strengthening it through scientific areas of common interest
The consolidation of this co-operation, possibly under an expanded scheme, is expected to be mutually beneficial for Greece and China in their endeavours to develop new competitive technologies and IT applications, in strengthening international research collaboration and the increased potential for participation of Greek and Chinese researchers in EU tenders.
EKT’s bibliometric indicators show that there has been a noticeable increase in publications in scientific journals between Chinese and Greek scientists in recent years: 78 co-authored publications in 2008, 205 in 2010, 405 in 2012 and 431 in 2014. During the period 2000 - 2014, the largest number of collaborations between Chinese and Greek researchers was in Natural Sciences (1,086 co-authorships) and Clinical Medicine (263 ), while Greek academics/research centres with the highest number of co-authorships in comparison with respective bodies in China were the University of Athens (1,031 co-authorships), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (520) and NCSR Demokritos (472).
Within the framework of this bilateral co-operation, recognition of current good practices in technology transfer to the real economy is expected to enrich the respective national activities, improve innovation capacity of businesses and the Public Sector and increase efficiency of public policies for research in technology and innovation.
During the visit, the ISTIC representatives were shown around EKT’s facilities (Datacentre, Library).
The Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC)
The Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC) is the national organisation of China for science and technological information. Under the Ministry of Science, it supports the country's research activities and provides information services for government bodies, universities, research centres and businesses.
ISTIC's main activities (www.istic.ac.cn) consist of 6 individual centres and 3 agencies and include: collection and making available scientific publications, databases and digital libraries, development,, application and dissemination of knowledge and language technologies, development of information systems, publication of studies for science and technology indicators and promotion of innovative technology. At the same time, it supports technological innovation, connections between research and manufacturing and exploitation of research.
The ISTIC collections boast a rich digital content including: over 1.5 million doctorate theses,150,000 conference proceedings, 300,000 reference books and numerous databases. ISTIC participates in joint international research and development programmes, collaborates with its counterparts from around the world and represents China in international science and technology
