Cities that come to readily mind for invention awards might be New York, London, Geneva and Paris. Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, is not likely to be listed among them.

　　Yet it is hosting an authoritative exhibition and awards to "offer encouragement for inventors," according to Lu Dahan, general secretary of the China Invention Association, one of the event's sponsors.

　　During the annual event's 19th session, which will be held between September 8 and 11, awards in three categories - best creations, and innovations by youth and women - will be presented.

　　Awards in separate categories came a result of cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Office and the International Federation of Inventors' Associations.

　　Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded during the event after appraisal by an expert panel.

　　And not all candidates for awards are professionals or from academia and research centers.

　　Some of them are expected to come from other walks of life. Workers, farmers and students are also under consideration.

　　In fact it is just these non-professional inventors that need encouragement, Lu said.

　　"Aspirations resulting from encouragement may shape our entire life," Lu said. "I hope the exhibition awards will have a similar stimulating effect on our inventors."

　　Notable farmer inventors include Li Denghai, known for his outstanding prowess in planting hybrid corn, and Li Guanqi, who developed technologies for extracting soybean fiber out of oil leftovers.

　　Since China's patent law took effect in 1985, individuals have contributed more than half of the total inventions.

　　While corporations have made the lion's share of total innovations in recent years, patents by individuals still account for some 40 percent of the total.

　　In contrast with professional industry fairs designed to close deals on the spot, the inventions exhibition has more long-term and far-reaching goals, Lu said.

　　During this year's event, a new exhibition section will showcase inventions by women.

　　Statistics from both home and abroad show that the number of female professors or academics is much lower than men, though before graduation women are not inferior to men in schoolwork.

　　"By showing women inventors' achievements, we encourage women to contribute more in building an innovation-oriented nation," Lu noted.

　　A series of business talks will also be held to promote commercialization of patents.

　　Patent auctions may be mounted as a part of the annual event in the future, according to Liu.

　　Founded in 1985, the gala for inventors is much younger than its renowned overseas peers, some of which boast a 100-year history, but the Chinese exhibition plays an increasingly important role, Lu said.

　　Over the past 25 years, the exhibition has been held in different cities across the nation.

　　This year marks the 10th anniversary of the campaign to develop China's western regions and their vast rural areas.

　　The upcoming exhibition will highlight projects related to the rural economy as well as eco-friendly technologies, including crops for arid climates and an irrigation system for efficient use of water.

　　                                                                                                Source: China Daily