Xiaoqi Wang: Creating more systematic thinking with more open platform innovation

Because of speed, we have had rapid development in the steel industry in the past decade. Because of the speed, there have been many problems in the steel industry. Some of these problems have also affected the equipment manufacturing industry. What are the issues reflected in these issues? How should we solve these problems? On October 11, Wang Xiaoqi, vice president of the China Iron and Steel Association, gave his understanding of the major innovations in the innovation of metallurgical equipment and the achievement of localization in the steel industry.

First, establish an open and independent innovation system. At present, we have made some achievements in the practice of production, education and research. What we must draw our attention to is that not only should the production, research and application be combined, but it must also be open. "There is a big trend now - many companies are extending their own industrial chain." For example, Wang Xiaoqi said that some equipment manufacturers have not only extended to do research and development, but also do engineering design and contracting. Similarly, as a user of the equipment industry, some steel companies are also establishing the equipment department, and the equipment department is actually trying to industrialize the things developed independently. He believes that the general direction of extending the industrial chain is correct. But at present, some companies have a bad tendency to act: Whatever they want to do, blindly exclude themselves. "The development of the iron and steel industry benefits from the selection of the best technology in the world after reforms and opening up. We use the most advanced and practical technologies in all countries in the world. Local innovation and open innovation are not in contradiction," he said.

Second, the system must be further optimized. The steel industry is a process industry, and the process industry must emphasize system optimization. During the “12th Five-Year Plan” period, we have clearly stated that we must build a production platform for clean steel and improve the overall quality and cost of steel products. Wang Xiaoqi said that sometimes we often think that the production of clean steel is its own thing. In fact, to a certain extent, it covers the entire process of the steel industry, including ironmaking before steelmaking, and afterwards Casting, rolling, etc., even to provide the user with a solution. "I hope everyone in the future will be able to go beyond simple process concepts in terms of independent innovation in equipment and systematically consider the issues," said Wang Xiaoqi.

Third, technological transformation should become the focus of independent innovation in equipment. Starting from the second half of this year, China’s steel production has declined month by month. Moreover, at present, the entire industry is facing a tight economic environment, and steel companies are gradually shifting their focus to financial management, quality management, and energy management. Against this background, new projects in the steel industry will continue to decrease. Wang Xiaoqi stated that in the future, equipment manufacturing companies can turn their attention to technological transformation to adapt to the goals and tasks of iron and steel enterprises in terms of variety quality, energy conservation, and emission reduction.

Fourth, we should keep a close eye on the market and pay attention to changes in the market. As for the changes in the market this year, Wang Xiaoqi believes that the biggest change should be that our major users are all upgrading the industry. For example, the growth of shipbuilding plates is minimal, and the growth of high-strength ship plates is very rapid. This means that the construction volume of ordinary bulk carriers is small, but ships with higher added value, such as container ships, are still under construction. From this aspect, we can see that the consumption structure of steel products is upgrading. For this change, the equipment industry should make corresponding adjustments. “The demand structure of steel products is upgrading. It puts forward new requirements for equipment technology. If equipment manufacturing companies take a step earlier and plan ahead, maybe the future market is yours.” Wang Xiaoqi said.

Fifth, the potential for equipment exports is large. In recent years, some emerging countries, such as India, Vietnam and other countries are all working hard to develop their own steel industry. The prospects for the equipment export market are on schedule. Some companies that are ahead of schedule are already developing metallurgical equipment export markets. The rapid development of the steel industry in previous years and the world's largest production capacity in the world have created unique conditions for rapid technological advancement and numerous talents in various fields. Wang Xiaoqi reminded us that our equipment manufacturers should “go global” with a more active attitude and participate in international market competition. However, in the “going out” process, companies should pay attention to coordination and avoid “crossing the wall”. "Everyone must learn to unite and twist into a rope to go overseas."