The Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion (GIEC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) played a pivotal role at the 9th Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community (G-STIC) Conference in Brussels, advocating for advancements in the blue economy and sustainable technology. The conference, held on June 8, 2026, also marked the strategic launch of G-STIC 3.0, an initiative to enhance global collaboration on sustainable development.

GIEC hosted a thematic breakout session titled “Empowering the Blue Economy: Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth.” This session convened international researchers from Europe and China to explore technology pathways that balance marine resource development, climate adaptation, economic growth, and ecosystem protection. The discussions addressed the increasing pressures on marine systems and sought practical solutions that move beyond the traditional trade-off between economic growth and environmental preservation.

During the session, Professor SHENG Songwei, director of the Offshore Energy Research Center at GIEC, presented the institute's recent progress in wave energy generation and integrated offshore energy platforms. These technologies, developed through years of dedicated research, are designed to provide clean, steady, and resilient power for offshore facilities and coastal communities.

Professor SHENG highlighted their successful deployment in sectors such as aquaculture, tourism, and ocean monitoring, demonstrating their viability and contribution to the sustainable use of marine resources, even in challenging environments.

The blue economy session fostered significant cross-regional knowledge exchange. Alongside GIEC researchers, the discussion featured contributions from distinguished international experts including Dirk Fransaer (Member of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts), Professor Elisabetta Tedeschi (NTNU/University of Trento), and Senior Researcher Josep Lloret (ICM-CSIC, Spain). Their insights enriched the dialogue on offshore renewable energy and the blue economy's critical linkages with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Beyond the blue economy focus, GIEC also shared its work on the high-value circular utilization of solid waste at the “Lab to Market: Accelerating Breakthrough Innovations” forum. These presentations underscore GIEC's commitment to translating fundamental research into practical applications, offering valuable models for other developing countries integrating ecological considerations with economic growth.

The 2026 G-STIC Conference also introduced G-STIC 3.0, a strategic upgrade designed to strengthen the platform's role in advancing the SDGs. As a co-organizer of G-STIC since 2019, GIEC has been instrumental in shaping this new strategy. The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive global technology governance framework that accommodates diverse national development contexts, empowering local innovation and connecting policy, finance, and industry actors.