To speed up the capitalization and industrialization of science and technology achievements, Shanghai is being proactive when it comes to intellectual property (IP) pledge financing.

On Oct 11, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Trade Center, which is operated by the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange, was formally opened.

The new center will offer evaluations, transfers and other platforms for IP pledge financing.

Meanwhile, an investment and financing service chain for science-related and technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) has been formed in the Shanghai equity market following several years of development.

The service chain will offer assistance with share pledges, financing guarantees and other services, and also provide the expertise and support of participating banks and investment institutions and funds.

IP trading is becoming more active in the Shanghai market. From 2008 to 2009, the volume of IP business exceeded 10 billion yuan in the Shanghai market.

For the first nine months of this year, the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange reported a 10 percent increase in the volume of IP business, compared to the same period in 2008.

Meanwhile, at the recent 2009 Science & Technology and Finance Innovation Forum, many experts said they believe science and technology innovations need more financing support.

(Source: China Daily)