"China's transformation from the 'world's factory' to an 'innovation hub' has created unprecedented opportunities for foreign companies like Marelli," Petrilli said. Matthias Metz, CEO of BSH Home Appliances Group, said that BSH China's R&D center has enhanced its capabilities further, helping China to become the group's global innovation engine and talent hub, and that the group's goal is to build BSH China into its global innovation engine. Anhui's trajectory reflects a broader shift in China's manufacturing sector, which is moving beyond its established role as the "world's factory" to become a global innovation hub for advanced technologies. China's ongoing opening-up measures are also providing stronger guarantees for international cooperation on innovation. Of course, innovation is one of the main reasons why European companies are working in China," D'Andrea said.