Samsung SDI to build R&D capabilities in China with third research center
Published: 02 Apr. 2023, 15:00
Updated: 03 Apr. 2023, 09:24
Samsung SDI is boosting its research and development (R&D) capabilities in China through the establishment of its third R&D center in Shanghai on Saturday, the battery maker said Sunday, with the aim of boosting both its global network and partnerships with China.
The new R&D center, named SDI Research & Development China (SDIRC), will focus on forming partnerships with Chinese universities and research institutes to secure core battery technologies. A new research lab under the center will focus on discovering new functional and affordable materials.
In 2020, China announced plans to bolster its battery industry R&D efforts in its “New Energy Vehicle Industrial Development Plan for 2021 to 2035,” which is meant to boost its global competitiveness in the auto industry. Additionally, over 30 Chinese universities run programs to foster battery experts while numerous businesses and research institutions possess the infrastructure to develop battery cells and related materials.
Samsung SDI established SDI R&D Europe (SDIRE) in Munich last July and SDI R&D America (SDIRA) in Boston last August. The Chinese research arm is the finishing touch that will complete the company’s global network worldwide.
The battery maker spent 1.76 trillion ($1.35 billion) won for R&D in 2022, which is the highest figure for the company, according to the company’s business report released in March.
The company also strives to foster future talents in the sector by forming partnerships with domestic universities such as Seoul National University, Postech and KAIST, and held a career event last year for Ph.D. students and graduates.
“The purpose of establishing R&D centers overseas is to secure our edge in global technological competence and talent pools in the respective regional cluster,” said Choi Yoon-ho, President and CEO of Samsung SDI, in a statement.
“We will further bolster our pursuit of super-gap technological competitiveness through collaborations with top universities and research institutions.”
BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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