Tianjin Binhai New Area (TBNA) and Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) are mandated to develop state-of-the-art science and engineering (S&E) capacity that helps transform TBNA into the economic growth engine for northeast China. For this to happen, they will need to cultivate world-class abilities to research, develop, and commercialize high-impact emerging-technology applications that will position TBNA as an influential player in important emerging global markets. Seven such technology applications appear particularly well suited to this purpose:

cheap solar energy

advanced mobile-communication and radio-frequency identification (RFID) applications

rapid bioassays

membranes, filters, and catalysts for water purification

molecular-scale drug design, development, and...

This chapter describes the four principal factors that we took into account in selecting and analyzing the seven technology applications (TAs) that we recommend as the most-promising opportunities for pursuit by TBNA and TEDA in their development into a state-of-the-art science and engineering (S&E) center: TBNA’s mission as a special pilot zone; China’s pressing national needs; national drivers and barriers in China to cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and innovation; and the capacity available to TBNA and TEDA to support the development and implementation of the selected TAs.

In 2006, when the State Council designated TBNA a special pilot zone...

The beneficial effects ofcheap solar energy—“solar energy systems inexpensive enough to be widely available to developing and undeveloped countries, as well as disadvantaged populations” (GTR 2020 In-Depth Analyses, p. 19)—reach many sectors of society. Such energy can be used to pump water for irrigation. The power it can provide can be used for cottage industries, distance learning, lighting to educate off-grid rural populations, and refrigeration of food and drugs to improve nutrition and medical treatment (see, e.g., Soboyejo and Taylor, 2008).

Solar-energy systems fall principally into two categories: (1) solar-thermal systems and (2) solar-electric systems (also called...

The basic functionality of mobile-communication devices has expanded dramatically in the past decade. Devices once intended solely to exchange voice data have become multifunctional sensing, processing, storage, and communication platforms capable of exchanging multiple types of data, using multiple modes of communication. Recent advances in both technology and design suggest that this trend will continue in the coming decade.

The emergence of cheap, sophisticated radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems is further reshaping the mobile-communication landscape. RFID devices have already become widespread in such applications as inventory tracking, personal identification, access control, and a variety of commercial transactions (see GTR 2020 In-Depth...

Rapid bioassays, assays that offer “the capability to rapidly perform tests to detect the presence or absence of specific biological substances, and to perform multiple tests simultaneously” (GTR 2020, In-Depth Analyses, p. 23), have considerable potential to address long-standing problems in public-health diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring. This technology application (TA) integrates exciting technology advances in bioassay instrumentation—for example, lab-on-a-chip microarrays, gene sequencing, and monitoring of chemical reactions in vivo.

The development of rapid-bioassay capabilities is highly relevant to the needs of TBNA’s growing population and economy. Rapid bioassays could allow quick screening to identify or eliminate threats...

Achieving adequate access to clean water is one of the greatest challenges that any country faces today (Elimelech, 2006). This challenge is growing as populations enlarge, development increases demand, and existing water supplies are overdrawn. China faces one of the most severe water-scarcity challenges in the world (see, e.g., J. Ma, 2004). Ensuring that its citizens have access to a supply of safe water will be critical to China’s development.

One way to improve access to clean water is to develop and implement technologies for water purification (Service, 2006). Such technologies could provide clean water for residential, industrial, commercial, and...

Advances in nanotechnology and biotechnology have revolutionized drug design, development, and delivery (see, e.g., Wagner et al., 2006). The ability to control and design drugs at the nanoscale has enabled scientists to develop new treatments and procedures that can now address previously intractable medical challenges. For instance, the intersection of nanotechnology and biotechnology allows innovative drug therapies that combine the properties of nanoscale materials (such as increased solubility in the bloodstream and increased bioavailability) with state-of-the-art approaches to biological transport and function (Caruthers, Wickline, and Lanza, 2007). Bionanotechnology has also enhanced diagnostics. It makes it possible to perform higher-contrast magnetic...

Hybrid vehicles, “automobiles available to the mass market with power systems that combine internal combustion and other power sources, while recovering energy during braking” (GTR 2020 In-Depth Analyses, pp. 27–28), have emerged as one of the leading new automotive markets worldwide. Initially, the public’s increasing interest in reducing emissions from internal combustion (IC) engines and, more recently, rising oil prices drove their growing market strength. Electric vehicles have been, to date, a niche market, but the distinction between the two is being blurred by the development of plug-in hybrids, in which the electric motor can be charged independently of...

The development and use of manufacturing processes that minimize or eliminate waste streams and the use of toxic materials is commonly referred to asgreen manufacturing. As public concerns have grown about degradation of the environment and ever-scarcer resources, governments and multinational corporations alike have embraced the trend toward applying green manufacturing techniques.¹

As defined by the sponsors of the Green Manufacturing Expo held in New York City on June 3–5, 2008, sustainable manufacturing is the “creation of manufactured products that use processes that are non-polluting, conserve energy and natural resources, are economically sound, and safe for employees, communities...

TBNA is pursuing an ambitious strategic vision for TEDA. Today, TEDA is a successful industrial-park complex with a traditional manufacturing base. Tomorrow, it will be a state-of-the-art science and engineering (S&E) center for high-impact, emerging technologies. By capitalizing on opportunities presented by the top cutting-edge technology trends taking shape today, TBNA aims to have established itself—within the next 20 years—as a global S&E leader. In this capacity, it will become an engine for innovation-driven economic development in Tianjin municipality, the Bohai Rim region, and northeastern China as a whole. TEDA will play a vital role in this aspiration....