Beijing Municipality's Regulations on Supporting the Establishment and Development of Foreign-Invested R&D Centers

Beijing Municipality's Regulations on Supporting the Establishment and Development of Foreign-Invested R&D Centers

Policy Interpretation

Policy Innovations

Exploring Innovative Management Models

It clarifies that the Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Zhongguancun Science Park Management Committee, and the Municipal Commerce Bureau will jointly carry out certification work with relevant units to enhance policy convenience and provide efficient services for foreign-invested R&D centers. Relevant government service matters will be uniformly handled at municipal and district government service centers, implementing a "single-window" service model to simplify procedures.

Fostering an Open Innovation System

Implementing an R&D incentive plan for foreign-invested R&D centers, supporting their participation in key scientific and technological projects in Beijing, applying for Beijing Science and Technology Awards, and conducting technology transfer projects with equal treatment as domestic institutions. Encouraging foreign-invested R&D centers to apply for certification as various types of scientific and technological innovation platforms in Beijing and participate in the city's new scenario construction, effectively integrating them into Beijing's innovation system.

Optimizing Talent Services and Support

Providing conveniences in document processing, entry and exit, medical examinations and healthcare, fast clearance of imported goods, foreign exchange settlement and purchases, and housing security. Supporting foreign-invested R&D centers in establishing postdoctoral research stations, recruiting postdoctoral researchers, and introducing high-level talent.

Policy Basis

The "Implementing Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Foreign Investment Law" explicitly encourages and promotes foreign investment, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors. The "State Council General Office's Opinions on Further Stabilizing Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment" clearly proposes lowering the threshold for foreign-invested R&D centers to enjoy preferential policies and encouraging foreign investors to establish R&D centers in China.

Scope of Application

Foreign-invested R&D centers in Beijing, including two types: R&D Innovation Centers and Open Innovation Platforms.

Foreign-invested R&D centers refer to institutions wholly or partially invested by foreign investors whose main business is overseas, established in China in accordance with Chinese law, and whose business scope includes research, development, and experimental development in natural sciences and related scientific and technological fields (including pilot testing for R&D activities).

R&D Innovation Centers refer to centers with independent R&D teams that undertake key steps and most processes of regional or global R&D projects.

Open Innovation Platforms refer to R&D centers that promote project collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises and innovation teams by providing facilities, equipment, R&D venues, and professional guidance to achieve collaborative innovation.

Application Conditions

R&D Innovation Centers must meet the following conditions:

Have a clear R&D field, R&D plan, and specific R&D projects, fixed research premises, necessary instruments and equipment, and other research conditions, as well as ongoing R&D activities.

Authorized by the parent company to undertake global R&D projects or R&D projects in Beijing, China, Asia, or other regions. R&D Innovation Centers and foreign-invested R&D headquarters recognized by the Municipal Commerce Bureau can achieve mutual recognition in accordance with relevant regulations.

Open Innovation Platforms must meet the following conditions:

Have a clear development plan and expected outcomes.

Have R&D premises with a construction area of no less than 1,000 square meters.

Have no fewer than 10 signed R&D innovation projects.

Have necessary facilities and equipment for collaborative innovation and guidance from international experts, with access to international resources such as technology and talent.

Application Channel

The entire process is handled online. For detailed guidelines, please refer to the Beijing Government Service Website:

https://banshi.beijing.gov.cn/pubtask/task/1/110000000000/ed6e18cb-3ff3-41ba-9e54-f95a71f77a81.html

Application Materials

No written application materials are required. Enterprises need to fill out the "Beijing Foreign-Invested R&D Center Application Form" on the website as required.

Application Time

Generally, there are two batches per year, usually in May and November. Specific deadlines will be announced in the annual work notice. Applications must be submitted before the deadline specified in the work notice.