Laboratories Are Ushering in a Wave of Sharing

Instrument sharing platforms have been established and launched across various regions. This effectively alleviates the problem of idle scientific research instruments, achieves full utilization of resources, and provides support for enterprises' technological innovation capabilities and services. Along with the positive effects of instrument sharing, the combination of "sharing" and "laboratory" is gradually integrating into the sharing economy trend.

With the arrival of the sharing economy era, shared bicycles, power banks, and cars have brought many conveniences to people. In the field of scientific instruments, the open sharing of large-scale scientific research equipment has also become a major trend in industry development. Recently, the State Council issued an opinion on strengthening the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and further promoting the in-depth development of mass entrepreneurship and innovation. The opinion mentions: II. Accelerating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements: (VI) Promoting the open sharing of instruments and equipment, exploring the separation mechanism of ownership and management rights of instruments and equipment, and exploring various methods such as introducing professional service institutions to provide socialized services for instruments and equipment purchased with fiscal funds.

Nowadays, instrument sharing platforms have been established and launched across various regions. This effectively alleviates the problem of idle scientific research instruments, achieves full utilization of resources, and provides support for enterprises' technological innovation capabilities and services. Along with the numerous positive effects of instrument sharing, the combination of "sharing" and "laboratory" is gradually integrating into the sharing economy trend.

A recent media investigation revealed that after five years of exploration, the Shanghai Zizhu High-Tech Industrial Development Zone has forged a unique path for laboratory sharing. Statistics show that last year alone, nine companies within the zone with laboratory platforms provided over 100 million yuan worth of equipment to more than 300 companies, generating approximately 60 million yuan in service revenue. This year, 13 companies with laboratory platforms have provided over 1 billion yuan worth of equipment, expanding their services to seven fields including aerospace technology, electrical energy, new energy, and new materials.

Clearly, equipment sharing is thriving. It has not only successfully solved the problem of idle resources but also driven innovation in the field of equipment. Especially now, the combination of "sharing" and "laboratory" has brought unexpected surprises to this innovative sharing model.

As is well known, laboratories are where scientific research is conducted. Laboratories with advanced equipment are essential for the smooth progress of various research projects. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises currently lack such laboratories, leading to numerous obstacles in analytical testing. Meanwhile, some idle laboratories possess advanced equipment, but their resources are not being fully utilized. Opening shared laboratories not only maximizes the utilization of enterprise laboratory equipment but also generates profits for companies. Simultaneously, it facilitates the smooth operation of analytical testing for companies in need. Furthermore, shared laboratories among enterprises promote technical exchange, aiding in related collaborations and holding significant importance for the development of the instrument industry.

Currently, various regions are actively encouraging the construction of open scientific research instrument sharing platforms to achieve resource sharing. It was recently learned from the Gansu Provincial Department of Science and Technology that, after preparation, the new version of the Gansu Provincial Large-Scale Scientific Research Infrastructure and Large-Scale Scientific Research Instrument Open Sharing Service Platform website has officially launched. In addition, scientific research instrument sharing service platforms in Beijing, Tianjin, and other regions have also been completed and have achieved good results.

As an innovative sharing model, the effects of shared laboratories are undeniable. With the smooth implementation of this work, not only can overall social capital expenditure be saved, but the technical testing level of the entire industry can also be improved. Of course, to achieve greater results, the guiding role of the market is also crucial. Only with the active guidance of the market and the government and relevant departments providing a favorable sharing environment, working together, can shared laboratories achieve the best results.