Apple has confirmed plans to open two additional research and development centers in China this year.
The centers in Shanghai and Suzhou will focus on developing technical experts for its local supply chain, and attracting graduates from universities like Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Shanghai Jiaotong University.
Apple already operates two R&D centers in China — one in Zhongguancun Science Park, Beijing, and another in Shenzhen. But it today announced plans to invest 3.5 billion yuan (approx. $507 million) on another two locations in an effort to reach more local partners.
Apple is also partnering with local schools to introduce internship programs that will help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs, the company said in a statement on its Chinese website.
“We are looking forward to working with more local partners and academic institutions through the expansion of R&D centers in China,” said Dan Riccio, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware.
“We are honored to have excellent talent and positive entrepreneurial spirit in China, and the developers and suppliers here are working together to make our business in this market flourish.”
Thanks to its R&D centers, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities, Apple has created more than 4.8 million jobs in China to date. It currently operates 22 offices in Greater China, and 46 retail outlets with more than 12,000 employees.
