Of course, many challenges remain requiring further initiatives, such as:

? Greater recognition of the importance of business and encouraging science and technology students to combine business studies with their technology and scientific endeavors;

? Continued government support of programs that encourage start-ups and offer support to small businesses seeking to scale up to middle size;

? Programs that also bring together multiple disciplines so that engineers, technology and scientific experts can learn about and partner business entrepreneurs and investors;

? Policy changes and employment/career tracks that allow movement between business and university;

? Welcoming retired business people back to university where their business skills, experience and inspiration can help students;

? More student placements with business to learn how to commercialize scientific and technological research;

? Enhancement of intellectual property rights protection and awareness of IP creation and protection;

? Courses from primary school through to university and student experience devoted to teaching and inspiring entrepreneurship;

? Celebrating successes in commercialization of research, for example by creation of centers of innovation, museums that celebrate China and the world's creative past.

Finally, it must be remembered that innovation is not just for universities and the private sector. It is equally necessary for government in the delivery of its services and for social entrepreneurs who have a passion for using their creative talents, not so much for profit, but for the overall benefit of society.

Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/eugeneclark.htm

Xianshu Wu is from China University of Political Science and Law.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.