(Yicai) Sept. 23 -- Adidas took part in the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai for the first time, with the chief executive of the German sportswear giant proposing that the city should consider allying with global partners to become a renowned international sports hub.

Shanghai could partner with global multinational corporations, academic institutions, sports media organizations, and international think tanks to form a global sports technology innovation alliance, Bjørn Gulden said at the 36th IBLAC yesterday.

IBLAC drew 34 top international entrepreneurs from 13 countries this year, while Adidas became the first multinational sports company to be invited to the event.

More than 80 percent of Adidas products sold in China are produced locally, Gulden noted. The firm views the country as an innovation platform and debuts many of its innovative products there, highlighting the market's significance, he added.

Adidas also recognizes the strong innovative capabilities of multiple Chinese institutions and organizations, Gulden said, adding that the Herzogenaurach-based company continuously innovates locally to develop products and designs tailored to the local market.

China remains one of Adidas's most crucial strategic markets with its vast population and large youth demographic, Gulden noted during a small media briefing on Sept. 21.

Adidas has strengthened its ties with Shanghai in recent years, with its China headquarters, creation center, and digital hub all based in the city, Yicai learned.

Adidas has also been actively integrating sports into Shanghai's urban fabric, establishing its first year-round public RunBase on the Xujiahui riverside in 2015 and building the first free outdoor skate park within the city's inner ring road in July.

Since 2015, Adidas has consistently supported major public sporting events such as the Shanghai Half Marathon. It has also facilitated visits by soccer giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and sports stars, including James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and David Beckham, fostering sports and cultural exchanges between Shanghai and the world.

Adidas suggests that Shanghai could draw inspiration from New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, and other global sports capitals as it enters its 10th year of striving to become an international scientific and technological innovation hub, recommending that it should leverage the potential of sports tech to drive comprehensive upgrades in the sector.

Regarding the social front, Adidas proposes that Shanghai actively utilize technological means to integrate sports into urban renewal, expand public sports spaces, and enrich street sports activities.

Regarding industrialization, Adidas suggests accelerating supply chain quality improvements and structural optimization through continuous technological innovation. This approach aims to enhance the industry's competitiveness and market responsiveness, ultimately attracting more capital and talent to Shanghai.

Editor: Martin Kadiev