IURC China Webinar: Technologies 4.0, Industry 5.0 & Innovation
Webinar
Background
Europe has experienced four industrial revolutions, each of which involved technology and innovation. The
undergoing industry 4.0 (initiated in Germany in 2011) associated with key technologies such as the Internet
of Things (IoT), robotics, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI)
is affecting a wide range of sectors. In 2021, the European Commission called for the Fifth Industrial
Revolution (Industry 5.0), which aims beyond efficiency and productivity for research and innovation-driven
transition to a sustainable, human-centric and resilient European industry. It places the production limits of
the planet and the well-being of the worker at the centre of the production process and integrates social
and environmental priorities into technological innovation to provide resilient prosperity beyond GDP
initiative.
In 2021, China’s 14th Five-Year Plan marks a shift towards “innovation-driven development” and promotes
"entrepreneurship and innovation among all the people". The investment in technology and R&D has
recently been at a record high. The patented technology is increasing. National and local policies support
technology transfer in industry, which drives socio-economic development. China´s `30-60 goals´, which
target on carbon peak in 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, lead to an opening market and huge
investment in the green tech and sustainability sector. The `innovation-driven strategy ‘and `Made in China
2025´ get a boost from the green transition in China and provide cooperation opportunities for EU cities
and regions in China.
The webinar is organized as a part of the IURC China thematic cluster working session, aiming to share how
cities and regions achieve green and digital transformation in technology, industry and innovation, and
discuss how EU-China cooperation can help them to reach the goals.
OBJECTIVES
Through deep multilateral discussion, this thematic webinar seeks to showcase challenges and solutions of
technology, industry and digital Economy in enhancing green development, social inclusion and innovation
in IURC pilot cities & regions and offer them a framework to:
1. Share perspectives, policy initiatives, and best practices
2. Identify potential common projects and relevant stakeholders to address the transition to a green
and digital economy.
PARTICIPANTS
This webinar will take place among：
1) stakeholders from IURC China pilot cities and regions in the thematic group of Technologies 4.0,
Industry 5.0 & innovation;
2) invited participants from IURC global community.