Tianjin's tech SMEs explore pathways to global markets

(ECNS) -- The small and medium-sized technology firms in Tianjin, one of the four municipalities in China, are stepping up efforts to enter overseas markets, seizing opportunities in a shifting global economy and expanding into emerging markets. While challenges remain, a growing number of these agile innovators are making tangible moves beyond China's borders, an industry insider says.

At Tiankai Higher Education Innovation Park in Tianjin — home to more than 1,200 companies — only about a dozen have established operations abroad, according to Chi Hengxuan, head of the park's innovation services department. "The majority are still in the ‘stay alive first' phase," Chi said. "But a number of tech-driven companies have already taken concrete steps to go global."

These early movers are pursuing different paths. One AI translation provider is helping students in Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries access Chinese vocational courses through the "Luban Workshop" program. A virtual reality firm is delivering immersive training tools to Belt and Road partner nations. In green energy, a start-up turning carbon dioxide into aviation fuel is working with SCO members on low-carbon initiatives.

Chi sees long-term potential. As China prepares to wrap up its 14th Five-Year Plan and map out the next, he expects innovation to stay at the heart of national strategy, with SMEs playing a critical role. Platforms like Tiankai Park, which offer full-cycle incubation, acceleration, and commercialization support, are seen as key to unlocking that potential.

"Large state-owned enterprises tend to focus on mature markets," Chi said. "It's the smaller, more agile companies that often spot opportunities in frontier industries."

Analysts say lowering barriers for SMEs to operate abroad and boosting their capacity to innovate will be central to China's tech growth and its international partnerships.

By Chen Tianhao, Evelyn Zhao, Lin Mengnan