Digitalisation in the Water Sector | Aquatech China 2021

China is a nation that is prone to water shortages and in 2021 it experienced a particularly drought stricken year. The rapidly developing Chinese economy, steadily increasing rate of migration to cities and rising hygiene and health concerns amongst China's rising middle class are stoking demand even further. At the same time, industry and agriculture need a steady supply of water to fulfil the growing demands of the population. In a country where the growing demand for water exceeds the supply, the Chinese water sector is facing great challenges.

Even though the utilization of digital technology has increased in the water sector, in recent years, it is still behind other industries with regard to integrating new smart technologies and digital transformations. Digitalisation can help water- and sanitation companies as well as government bodies to address many of the challenges they face. On the other hand, the digitalisation of the sector also provides the solutions to the challenges.

The EU SME Centre is happy to invite you to participate in a hybrid seminar co-organised with the China-Europe Water Platform, our leading consortium partner, the China Italy Chamber of Commerce and the China IP SME Helpdesk for this year's Aquatech China 2021.

This hybrid seminar, 'Digitalisation in the Water Sector' will be a side event held during the fair, both offline (Shanghai) and online from 14:00-15:20 (CN). Exhibitors and visitors from European companies present at the fair are also invited to join the offline panel discussion at the seminar. 

During this seminar, a range of topics will be discussed, including:

• identifying the local level development strategies in China for digital transformation of the environment sector, 
• which are the prioritised policies, 
• how is the digitalisation of the water sector serve the overall digital transformation strategies of the local municiple governments, 
• how to outstand in the already very fragmented and competitive market in China? 
• How to protect your IPR when preparing a digitalisation strategy?

You can find the recorded webinar on Youtube:

Agenda:

14:00 - 14:10 Liam Jia, EU SME Centre - Overview: Main findings of EU SME Centre/CEWP Urban Water webinar series 2021 

14:10 - 14:35 Guillaume Gimonet, Siveco China – Digitalisation of the Water Sector in China - Market overview, policy updates, market demand, access barriers (FR)

14:35 - 14:45 Matias Zubimendi, IP SME Helpdesk - IPR Protection in Digital Transformation

14:45 - 15:05 Jason Jie, Kruger A/S – Case Sharing (DK)

15:05 - 15:20 Q&A and Panel Discussion

The conference will take place offline in Conference Room B(7.1H3129) 

The EU SME Centre - CEWP booth will be located in 7.1 Hall (no. 7.1H2107). See map below for the location of the booth. 

How to enter the fair:

Foreign individuals in China, who want to participate in the offline seminar need to bring a valid passport to enter the Aquatech fair. Chinese individuals can pre-register to the Aquatech fair here. 

Opening hours of the fair: 
Wednesday, 2 June 09:00 – 17:00 hours
Thursday, 3 June 09:00 – 17:00 hours
Friday, 4 June 09:00 – 15:00 hours

An email will be sent to all participants prior to the event, with a zoom link (for online participants) and with instructions on practicalities (for offline participants). 

About the speakers