Schneider continues to increase R&D efforts in China

Schneider (Xi'an) Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., the first independent legal entity in China to list research and development activities as its main business, was officially unveiled on Dec 16 in Xi'an High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

As part of continuous efforts to increase research and development in China, the newly-established firm is another step towards completing an industrial ecosystem integrating research, production, marketing and suppliers, a key approach of Schneider Electric since it entered Xi’an, capital city of Shaanxi province in Northwest China.

Li Rui, SVP, Head of Energy Management LV, Schneider Electric China, said at the unveiling ceremony that diversified localization has always been a key strategy of Schneider Electric, and that his company has always taken localization as its most important commitment to the development of Xi'an.

"As an important step in our R&D localization strategy, the establishment of Schneider (Xi'an) Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. will greatly shorten the R&D cycle, create a fast track from laboratory to market, and accelerate the chain of innovation and marketization," Li said.

According to Li, the newly-established company includes Schneider Electric Global Low Voltage Equipment Design Center and Schneider Electric Global ECO Design Center, which were inaugurated in 2019. Since the establishment of the two design centers one year ago, they have made a lot of innovative achievements, and many of them are in the leading level in the world.

Gao Shen, VP of Engineering & R&D Council China, Schneider Electric, and legal representative of Schneider (Xi'an) Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., said that Xi'an is one of the five major education and research centers in China. It is rich in high-end talents and a top source of R&D innovation.

"Schneider Electric has always attached great importance to localized innovation and local talent empowerment. By continuously increasing R&D investment, we also hope to help Xi'an improve its soft power of scientific and technological innovation and jointly promote the long-term development of the industry," Gao said.

Xi'an has unique geographical advantages, a good business environment, deep industrial foundations and rich human resources. It is the headquarters of Schneider Electric in China's western region, and is also a strategically important town for Schneider Electric in China.

At present, China has become one of Schneider Electric's four world R&D bases. In recent years, Schneider Electric's R&D investment in China has increased by more than 15 percent each year. Despite the uncertainty brought about by the epidemic situation, Schneider Electric's R&D investment in China continued to grow significantly in 2020.