Chongqing - As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, global companies are looking beyond traditional manufacturing partnerships and seeking deeper collaboration in technology, innovation, and industrial ecosystems.

At the 20th Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) on September 23, executives from global technology companies AT&S and HP shared their perspectives on how Chongqing can further integrate into global innovation networks through advanced manufacturing, AI applications, and international cooperation.

AT&S expands semiconductor capabilities for the AI era

For AT&S CEO Dr. Michael Mertin, Chongqing has become a key part of the company's global technology network.

Dr. Michael Mertin, CEO of AT&S. (Photo/Luo Huxin)

"Chongqing is definitely one of the cornerstones for AT&S in the global network," Mertin said, highlighting the city's role in developing the company's advanced semiconductor packaging technologies.

AT&S specializes in semiconductor substrates, a critical component that connects chips with power and data systems. Mertin compared substrates to the "nerve and blood system" of artificial intelligence computing, explaining that better information flow and higher performance depend on advanced substrate technologies.

"In artificial intelligence and data center systems, we deliver world-class substrates from Chongqing to enhance their capability by better information flow," he said.

AT&S has operated in China for more than two decades, with major investments in Shanghai and Chongqing. The company is expanding capacity in Chongqing as demand grows for advanced semiconductor packaging driven by AI development.

Mertin said the company is also strengthening its "local-for-local" strategy, creating solutions tailored for the Chinese market while integrating China operations into its global technology network.

"The Chinese market has its own demands," he said. "Therefore, it is important to have a very close relationship with Chinese customers."

To support this strategy, AT&S established a China-focused business structure with Chinese management and engineering teams. Mertin said the approach has received strong market feedback, with demand exceeding current production capacity.

He also emphasized the importance of building innovation ecosystems involving companies, universities and research institutions.

"Innovation is not just a scientific network. It is not just an academic network," he said. "When research becomes reality, it becomes technology, it becomes application."

HP moves beyond manufacturing toward AI innovation

For HP, Chongqing has been a strategic manufacturing base for nearly two decades. Jonathan Jennings, Chief Procurement Officer of HP Inc., said the company has produced more than 450 million PCs in Chongqing during its partnership with the city.

Jonathan Jennings, Chief Procurement Officer of HP Inc. (Photo/Luo Huxin)

"Chongqing is the epicenter of our manufacturing facilities within our supply chain," Jennings said.

However, HP's cooperation with Chongqing is expanding beyond manufacturing.

Jennings said the company is focusing on innovation, artificial intelligence, and building broader industrial capabilities.

"Chongqing is also challenging us to look at more than just manufacturing, but also innovation and AI," he said.

HP has worked with Chongqing University and local partners to develop an AI innovation hub, aiming to strengthen cooperation in technology development and industrial applications.

Jennings said building a strong innovation ecosystem requires more than factories. It also requires supporting facilities, training systems and talent development.

"We need to make certain that not only the manufacturing facility itself, but all of the supporting facilities and personnel are in place," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of attracting international talent and helping global companies grow together with the city.

Building global innovation partnerships

Both executives pointed to ecosystems, talent and cooperation as key factors in future development.

Mertin said global innovation requires open cooperation networks and trusted partnerships across regions.

"We need a trustworthy, open-minded international cooperation network," he said, adding that supply chain cooperation and knowledge exchange are essential for future growth.

Jennings said Chongqing's strength comes from combining manufacturing capabilities with technology development, talent and partnerships.

For Chongqing, CMIA provides a platform for global companies to share recommendations and participate in the city's development strategy. Since its establishment in 2006, the council has become an important channel for connecting international companies with Chongqing's industrial transformation.