- Innovation-friendly environment in China will not only benefit indigenous companies, but also attract foreign firms to engage in research and development in China. Official statistics show that in 1999, multinational corporations had no more than 30 research and development centers in China, whereas currently, more than 3,000 foreign companies have set up research and development centers in the country.

- On May 25, Microsoft's Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group Headquarters were officially opened in Beijing, symbolizing the company's focus on China as a key growth market and location for future innovation. Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corp. commented: "When Microsoft first opened in Zhongguancun in Beijing 20 years ago, it set into action a vision of growth and innovation that we shared with the Chinese Government and emerging local industry. That vision has come full circle with Microsoft's Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group Headquarters—which now lays a vital platform for Microsoft's future and our belief in China's ambitions to transform to an innovation-driven economy."

(Sources: Science and Technology Daily and Website of Microsoft Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group)