Data released by Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce shows that by the end of 2017, 426 foreign-funded R & D centers were set up in Shanghai, according to a news report published on Pudong's website on Feb 13.

Of all the R & D centers, 40 are global research and 17 are Asia-Pacific studies. More than 20 R & D centers include investments of over 10 million dollars.

The foreign-funded R & D center refers to the professional institutes of natural science and technologies. It can be wholly foreign-owned or foreign-invested enterprises.

Axalta Coating Systems, one of the world's top liquid and powder suppliers, has established an Asia-Pacific R & D center in Shanghai.

Fung Group, a leading consumer goods design, development, sourcing and logistics company for major retailers and brands around the world, has set up a R & D platform called Explorium in Minhang District of Shanghai.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON, specializing in developing medicine and self-care products has set up JLabs, a global innovation platform in Pudong new area so that enterprises and universities conduct scientific research more conveniently.

Companies such as Roche and Badische Anilin-und-Soda-Fabrik have collaborated with universities in Shanghai to build labs and nurture talents.

Companies such as Philips, Honeywell International, WuXi　Pharma　Tech have provided scientific devices worth 200 million yuan($31.5 million) for the research institutes.

Ernst & Young company has established WaveSpace in Shanghai to do research on Artificial intelligence and robots. It has also been providing solutions or devising plans concerning several areas such as sensor technology and application of products.

Meanwhile, Shanghai government has also set forth policies to make sure the center runs smoothly. For example, it has simplified the procedures of foreign experts' working visas. It has also financially supported scientific research. Furthermore, it has also involved the R & D center into the national projects.  

Axalta Coating Systems, one of the world's top liquid and powder suppliers, has established an Asia-Pacific R & D center in Shanghai.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]