- Joint policy introduces a “use first, transfer later” mechanism to accelerate commercialization of university patents across the region
- It also expands AI-powered patent matching, fast-track IP services and cross-regional regulatory cooperation to support Shanghai’s international innovation hub ambitions
Market regulators across the Yangtze River Delta on July 3 unveiled a 19-point policy package aimed at accelerating technology commercialization and strengthening regional innovation.
This marks the first comprehensive market regulation initiative dedicated to supporting the Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta) International Science and Technology Innovation Center.
The measures, jointly released at the 2026 Yangtze River Delta Market Regulation Cooperation Conference in Shanghai on July 3, span six areas covering both market regulation and intellectual property, representing the first time the regional cooperation mechanism has introduced a systematic policy framework focused on technological innovation.
Centerpiece
Drafted by the Zhejiang Provincial Administration for Market Regulation, the package’s centerpiece is a new “use first, transfer later” mechanism that allows companies to commercialize patented technologies developed by universities and research institutes before negotiating licensing or transfer agreements.
Officials said the approach is intended to remove long-standing barriers that slow the commercialization of academic research by reducing risks for both technology owners and corporate users.
‘Magpie bridge’
The region will also promote “Patent Magpie Bridge.” Named after the mythical bridge of magpies that reunites separated lovers in Chinese folklore, this is an AI-powered patent matching platform designed to connect companies’ technology needs with research institutions’ intellectual property portfolios.
Under the new framework, businesses will be able to trial patented technologies before deciding whether to acquire commercialization rights.
The policy also outlines an integrated regional innovation network centered on Shanghai, with Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Nanjing and Hefei serving as five supporting innovation hubs.
‘One corridor, two industrial belts’
The network will be connected through the G60 Science and Technology Innovation Corridor — starting in western Shanghai’s Songjiang and running through eight cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.
Besides, the network extends across the coastal and Yangtze River industrial belts, while expanding innovation services into northern Jiangsu, southwestern Zhejiang and northern Anhui.
Authorities aim to increase the number of high-value invention patents to 38 per 10,000 people by 2030.
For emerging technologies including AI, the metaverse and 6G communications, the four regional governments will jointly strengthen intellectual property protection while expanding fast-track patent examination and approval services.
They will also promote reforms in data-related intellectual property rights and jointly cultivate high-value patent projects.
‘Non-intrusive’ regulatory model
The measures further call for greater sharing of regulatory expertise through cross-regional talent exchanges and the establishment of a Yangtze River Delta market regulation think tank alliance.
Regulators also pledged to expand a “non-intrusive” supervision model designed to minimize unnecessary inspections and allow companies to focus on innovation and investment.
Officials from Zhejiang’s market regulator said the new measures combine infrastructure development with regulatory reform to better integrate technological innovation with industrial development across the Yangtze River Delta.
