Sebastian Kovacs. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Sebastian Kovacs, president of the Austrian Technology and Entrepreneurship Association, has expressed strong confidence in Ningbo's long-term potential, emphasizing that his organization is investing not only in the city's present, but also in its future.

During a recent visit to Ningbo, Kovacs highlighted the city's efficient governance, dynamic business environment, and steady development since his first trip in 2023. He noted that Ningbo's industrial strength and openness make it an ideal partner for deeper international cooperation.

At the center of this collaboration is the planned China-Austria (Ningbo) International Innovation Center project. The initiative aims to combine Austria's strengths in research and specialized technologies with Ningbo's advanced manufacturing base and well-developed industrial chains. Kovacs believes this partnership will accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge research into real-world applications.

He also pointed out a long-standing challenge: many promising Austrian tech firms tend to expand into the United States first. By building smoother communication channels and more effective cooperation models, the new platform could encourage more companies to establish innovation projects in the Chinese market via Ningbo.

The collaboration will focus on key sectors such as high-end manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and aerospace. In the short term, pilot projects will be launched to ensure quick results, while long-term plans include establishing a dual innovation hub connecting Ningbo and Austria.

Despite global technological and trade barriers, Kovacs remains optimistic about international cooperation. He sees the Ningbo initiative as a model for China-Europe collaboration, helping facilitate talent exchange, investment flows, and technological progress.