GUANGZHOU — China is an important innovation base for the Emerson Electric Co and Edward L. Monser, president of the Fortune 500 corporation.

Established in 1890, the US-based multinational manufactures products and provides engineering services for a wide range of markets.

Monser has served as president since 2010 and pointed out that about one-third of more than 1,800 patents awarded to Emerson employees globally last year were generated in China.

"This is clear evidence of the capabilities and quality of China's research and development community, and our commitment to developing this indigenous capability," he said during a visit to southern China's Guangdong province.

Emerson started doing business in China in the late 1970s and now boasts more than 23 manufacturing facilities and 22 engineering centers in the country.

Monser said that job training and employee development were a big focus for the company, which works with universities in China to support their engineering and technology curriculum.

"We believe that it's critical to nurture talent to support an innovation-driven economy," he said.

The group also partners with universities in China in boosting teaching capabilities through various cooperation projects, such as summer internship camps, training, lab and technology competitions.

Emerson is also working with the Guangdong's education authority to carry out a cooperation program with higher education and technical schools to train more engineering talent here.

On broader cooperation between Emerson and China, Monser highlighted the significance of collaboration through digital ecosystems and industry alliances.

"We see that digital ecosystems provide enterprises with new and better ways to pursue collaborative innovation," said the entrepreneur, who also serves as an advisor on economic development to the Guangdong provincial government.

"Besides sourcing suitable parts at the best price, enterprises can exchange ideas through digital platforms," he added. "Participants in China or overseas can contribute to the ecosystem and benefit others."

In March, Emerson launched the expanded Plantweb digital ecosystem in China.

It aims to help Chinese users and enterprises in the processing industry, address new challenges in environmental protection, safety, energy-saving and reliability.

Earlier this year, the company partnered with the China Heat Pump Industry Alliance, a subordinate of the China Energy Conservation Association.

They agreed to build the "China Air Source Heat Pump Industry Training Base" at the company's Suzhou training center in eastern China.

"Through this initiative, Emerson is collaborating with the local government to promote the development of China's heat pump industry and create a green, clean living environment," he said.

Monser stressed that the business environment in China is a positive one.

"We are pleased to see the Chinese government has made great progress in protecting IPR (intellectual property rights protection) in the country," he said.

He added that an innovation-friendly environment and a commitment to IPR were vital for companies such as Emerson in China.

Monser also voiced support for fair and open trade, calling it the foundation of international commerce and an effective tool against protectionism that can harm consumers and businesses.

"Emerson believes that governments, enterprises and organizations should promote dialogue between the US, China and other countries on trade and manufacturing policy issues," he said.

"They must address these issues in ways that allow manufacturing sectors to grow, prosper and provide good jobs for each country's citizens," Monser added.