Industrial AI Programme Brings Belt and Road Partners Together in Shanghai

An international industrial AI training programme in Shanghai has brought together participants from Belt and Road partner countries to strengthen knowledge sharing in AI-enabled manufacturing, industrial automation and emerging technologies.

The programme concluded on 4 July 2026 and involved more than 20 participants from countries including Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Hosted by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and organised by the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (SAIRI), the programme combined technical lectures, industrial visits, seminars and international exchanges focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence.

Industrial AI and Smart Manufacturing in Focus

Training sessions covered a range of technologies and industrial applications, including AI-enabled manufacturing, intelligent energy systems, biomedical engineering, international AI policy and industrial AI practices in China.

Participants also explored how artificial intelligence is being integrated with industrial operations and how these technologies can support wider digital transformation.

The programme highlighted the increasing role of AI in manufacturing as industries adopt intelligent systems to improve automation, operational efficiency and technology development.

Participants Visit Industrial Technology Sites

As part of the programme, participants visited AI companies, innovation platforms and industrial parks in Shanghai and Suzhou.

The visits provided exposure to technologies including:

• Humanoid robotics
• Industrial automation
• Quantum technologies
• Artificial intelligence applications
• AI incubation and commercialisation

These visits gave participants an opportunity to observe how emerging technologies are moving from research environments into industrial and commercial applications.

Countries Share Industrial AI Development Experience

Dedicated seminars allowed participants to discuss industrial AI trends and share experiences from their respective countries.

Discussions covered AI talent development, industrial transformation and international technology cooperation, with participants examining how AI technologies could be adapted to different industrial environments.

China’s experience in connecting technological development with industrial applications was also highlighted as one area that could provide references for other participating economies.

A related exchange hosted by the Shanghai Institute of Technology also explored industrial AI commercialisation, manufacturing digital transformation and practical applications including large models for intelligent rail operation and maintenance.

Cooperation to Expand Beyond Training

SAIRI said it plans to expand cooperation with partner countries beyond the training programme.

Future areas could include joint laboratories, industrial transformation projects, real-world AI applications and talent development, alongside platforms supporting technology and knowledge exchange.

The programme also involved the AIM Global Centre of Excellence under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, with its chair Xu Chun presenting certificates to participants at the closing ceremony.

SAIRI was founded in 2019 by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the People’s Government of Minhang District, Lingang Group and SenseTime. Its work covers AI research, technology commercialisation, talent development and industrial ecosystem building.

Building Industrial AI Capability Across Markets

The Shanghai programme reflects growing international interest in applying AI beyond general digital applications and into manufacturing, energy, automation and other industrial sectors.

For participating countries including the Philippines and Vietnam, the programme also provides opportunities for technical exchange and collaboration as industrial AI adoption expands across Asia-Pacific.

By combining training with exposure to real industrial applications, the initiative aims to strengthen the skills and partnerships required to support wider industrial digitalisation.