From the program: Ms Gao has more than 8 years of experience facilitating the entrance of international businesses into the China market, and establishing themselves in Suzhou, China. As Deputy General Manager of Suzhou International Science Park (SISPARK), on behalf of the Suzhou Industrial Park local government, Ms Gao is responsible for promotion of the hi-tech, digital media and creative industries. Ms Gao leads the team that selects the right projects from China and abroad that are interested in expanding into Suzhou – providing a one-stop service for business set-up, policy and business consultancy, property renting, business incorporation, talent training and recruitment, business matching, funding and venture capital support.

China is transforming towards an innovative nation. GDP per capita exceeding USD3,000.

Net surfers reached 210 million in 2007. Cellphone users exceed 574 million. Average online time per day around 137.8 minutes in 2006. Highly competitive market.

Market innovation: 2D animation: Cuckoo’s Nest. 3D animation: Golden Cartoon. (Incidentally, they just signed an MoU with Virgin Comics).

Holy cow she talks fast.

iQue, technical and market partner of Nintendo.

Suzsoft: IT service and outsourcing management.

SIP: Unique G-to-G project

• A window:  for China opening and reforming
• A pioneer base: for scientific and sustainable economic development and harmonious social development.

SISPARK

• Incubator for hitech companies
• National Animation Industry Base
• National Software Industry Base

Trying to consolidate a lot of the resources you need for new companies.

Talents:

1. High education: 23 universities and colleges. Over 184,000 students in the city.
2. Special talent training and attraction programs
3. Over 20,000 expatriates in Suzhou

High class infrastructure

1. Science hub
2. Idea pump: loft-style office
3. Animation museum
4. Creative industry park

Public technical platform

Basically, these are the people to talk to if you’re trying to grow a new media business in China. They’re fantastic!

The Science & Technology Fund was more than USD400 million last year. Special govt fund to encourage original content and offer subsidies for training outsourcing talent.  Stock market, venture capital, fund of funds, bank guarantees. Lots of financial support. Also IP protection services.

She showed some slides selling Suzhou as a city: cultural, pretty, high economic strength, “One of the 10 best cities for business” according to Fortune.

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