svetikya Chapter 372 Clash of the Century
Chapter 372 Clash of the Century
The designer leaned forward slightly, a sign of his keen interest: "Oh? Tell me, how exactly will you 'help'? Is it another 'special method'?"
Lin Yan did not answer directly, but first looked at Gu Mu and Yu Guangyuan.
"As mentioned earlier, 'strengthening the foundation' primarily involves talent and technology. Our Lin family has been operating overseas for many years. We may lack other things, but we do have some unique channels and advantages in connecting with overseas academic resources and communicating cutting-edge technical information."
He spoke subtly, but everyone present understood that this "unique channel" carried significant weight.
"For example," Lin Yan continued, his tone becoming more specific, "we have good personal relationships with the heads of the National University of Singapore and some top laboratories in Europe and the United States. If the country needs it, we can try to facilitate some unconventional 'academic fast tracks'."
Chen Yun's eyes flickered: "Unconventional? How so?"
"It's not a casual exchange visit," Lin Yan explained. "Instead, we can invite top-tier experts from the other side—who are not usually sent abroad—to China for intensive, closed-door lectures and joint research projects, ranging from a few months to half a year, under the guise of 'private academic leave' or 'in-depth consulting projects.'"
Li Xiannian immediately calculated the value: "This is equivalent to inviting 'renowned teachers' from abroad directly to our 'classroom' to teach us step by step? The cost must be considerable, right?"
"We'll bear the cost," Lin Yan said calmly. "This is another way for us to give back to our hometown. More importantly, this model can bypass many cumbersome procedures and restrictions of official exchanges and get straight to the point. We can assure you that the experts who come are genuinely willing to share their knowledge and help solve problems, rather than just making a superficial visit."
The designer immediately grasped the key question: "Is the person who comes reliable? If the technology is provided, will there be other problems later? For example, patent traps, or being held hostage by others?"
Lin Yan smiled slightly: "You're right. So, this needs to be combined with our own 'strong foundation.' My idea is not to pursue a one-time buyout of some groundbreaking technology, but to focus on the transfer of 'methodology' and 'basic system.' The key to bringing in experts is to help us establish a complete R&D process, quality control standards, and problem-solving approaches. At the same time, the intellectual property rights of all improvements and solutions generated in this process that are tailored to the actual situation in China must be clearly attributed to the Chinese partner institution. We can ensure this through contracts and legal means. What we are funding is the 'learning process' and 'capacity building,' not simply the purchase of 'technical results.'"
Yu Guangyuan nodded repeatedly: "Teaching a man to fish, rather than giving him a fish. This is a good idea! And it's high-intensity 'fishing skills' training. If we can achieve this, it will be of great value in shortening the time we spend figuring things out in these areas."
The designer listened quietly, then slowly asked, "Besides bringing in talent, what about sending talent out? You mentioned talent immersion earlier."
"We can do this more systematically," Lin Yan said, clearly having given it considerable thought. "We can establish a broader 'Future Cornerstone' program. One part, as I just mentioned, is selecting the best of the best and sending them to top overseas laboratories and project teams with which we have close ties, to participate in cutting-edge work firsthand. Another part, perhaps more important, is an 'Advanced Training Program' for existing key technical personnel and university teachers in China. We can also utilize overseas resources, inviting top experts to China or establishing dedicated training bases overseas for intensive, high-intensity knowledge updates. The best candidates are those already in key positions with rich practical experience, but struggling to keep up with the latest international developments in their knowledge base. Once they return, they can immediately contribute."
Gu Mu's eyes lit up: "That's great! This might be more effective than simply sending students abroad, and it can directly improve the level of the existing industrial and technical workforce. Where should we locate it?"
"Initially, it can be placed in pilot areas designated by the state," Lin Yan interjected. "The environment is relatively familiar, and it will be easier for us to coordinate and provide support. If the central government deems it necessary, in the future, it could even designate a specific area in the special economic zone to specifically carry out this work, developing it into a permanent, high-level international technical training and exchange center. In name, it could be hosted by a non-governmental academic institution."
The conversation gradually deepened, naturally transitioning from talent and technology to industry and capital.
Lin Yan looked at Li Xiannian and Chen Yun: "'Strengthening the foundation' requires funding, especially for developing high-risk, high-tech industries. Relying entirely on national finances would put too much pressure on us; leaving it entirely to the market might result in no one showing interest in the initial stages. I have a somewhat immature idea here..."
"Go on," Chen Yun gestured for him to continue.
"Could we try to establish a 'Strategic Emerging Industries Guidance Fund'?" Lin Yan proposed. "This fund would be backed by a clear industry guidance catalog and policy commitments issued by the government, attracting insightful overseas Chinese capital and foreign investment like ours that is willing to invest in China's future in the long term. The fund would operate on a market-oriented basis, but the investment decision committee must have a strong Chinese representative to ensure that the funds are invested in accordance with the national strategy."
He explained in detail: "For example, the fund can focus on investing in early-stage semiconductor design companies, core component manufacturers of high-end CNC machine tools, and industrial software developers. In addition to investing capital, we can also leverage our global network to provide these portfolio companies with technical roadmap consulting, introduce key equipment channels, and even connect them with future international markets. This is equivalent to a 'capital + deep value-added services' model. In this way, the money is invested, and the empowerment of technology, management, and markets follows, which can greatly improve the success rate of startups and accelerate breakthroughs in key links of the industrial chain."
The designer took a drag of his cigarette and said slowly, "It sounds like you want to be one of the 'core operators' of this fund? You want to contribute both money and effort."
Lin Yan readily admitted, "Yes, because only through deep involvement can we ensure that resources are truly used effectively, and that we can nurture enterprises in a way that, as we just discussed, is conducive to 'strengthening the foundation' rather than simply pursuing profits. Of course, we are willing to accept the strictest supervision and review; the fund's operation is completely transparent, and we report regularly to the designated competent authorities. What we pursue are long-term technological and industrial growth dividends, not short-term financial returns." He reiterated "our" stance and long-term vision.
The man in the West Flower Hall listened silently, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the armrest—a habit he had when deep in thought. He only spoke again after Lin Yan finished explaining the fund.
"Xiao Yan, the points you proposed—unconventional academic pathways, the infiltration of key personnel, and strategic industry guidance funds—are indeed practical and effective measures that hit the nail on the head. In particular, the combination of talent training, technology transfer, and capital guidance is a very systematic approach."
His gaze slowly swept over his colleagues: "I think we can, based on the principle of bold ideas and careful verification, first select one or two points for a small-scale, controlled pilot program. For example, regarding this 'Advanced Training Program,' we can quickly agree on an area and list, and have Comrade Gu Mu and Xiao Yan communicate with them first to come up with a concrete and feasible plan. The idea of a 'Guiding Fund' involves a wide range of issues and requires a more comprehensive financial and legal system design. We can first ask Comrade Yu Guangyuan to take the lead in organizing resources to conduct research and demonstration, especially on risk prevention and regulatory frameworks."
Finally, he looked at Lin Yan, his eyes deep: "Xiao Yan, we appreciate your initiative in bringing these things up and your willingness to bear the costs and risks. But you must remember, as you just said, openness is a game, and so is cooperation. These things must be done with extreme caution; you must be bold yet proceed with careful planning. Especially regarding those 'special channels' and 'deep involvement' you mentioned, you must be mindful of the boundaries. Everything must be done in a way that benefits the country and complies with the law. Do you understand?"
Lin Yan nodded solemnly: "I understand. Everything will proceed within the framework approved by the country and all the leaders. I will first maintain close communication with Professor Gu and Professor Yu, and work on the details of the feasible plan as soon as possible for your review."
The sky outside the window was beginning to lighten. The long night was about to end, but the ideas and plans sown that night could profoundly influence the modernization process of this ancient country for decades to come.