About
Rolf Schmid
Scientist, author and observer of science and technology
I am a scientist with a long-standing interest in the development of biotechnology, the life sciences and emerging technologies and in the ways in which scientific discoveries are translated into industrial and societal applications.
My professional career has taken me through academic research, industrial biotechnology, international scientific cooperation and technology consulting. Over many years, this work has provided opportunities to observe scientific and technological developments in different parts of the world and, increasingly, in Asia.
Today, my activities are focused primarily on scientific and technological developments in China, particularly in biotechnology, biomedicine, medical technology and related fields of innovation. I follow developments from the perspective of a scientist, with particular attention to original scientific publications, official documents and developments at the interface between research and industrial application.
From Bio4Business to technology observation
Bio4Business was originally established as a platform for consulting and international technology cooperation. Its activities included biotechnology, innovation and technology developments in Europe and Asia.
The role of Bio4Business has changed over time. It is no longer primarily a consulting platform. Today, it serves as a personal point of reference for my scientific and editorial activities, publications and technology observation.
A particular focus is Window-to-China, where I regularly report on selected developments in Chinese science, biotechnology, biomedicine and medical technology. The objective is not to provide comprehensive news coverage, but to identify developments that may be relevant to scientists, companies and others interested in technological change in China.
My earlier work on Japan is documented in Window-to-Japan. Although this website is no longer regularly updated, it remains available as an archive of many years of observation of Japanese science, technology and innovation.
Publications and scientific communication
Scientific and technological developments are most useful when they can be placed in context. I therefore continue to write articles and analyses for professional and scientific publications and to contribute to discussions on biotechnology, life sciences, medical technology and innovation.
Wherever possible, my work is based on scientific publications, official sources and information from the institutions and companies concerned. Sources from China are considered with the same critical attention to provenance, context and reliability that should apply to information from any other country.
A personal perspective
Bio4Business, Window-to-China and Window-to-Japan are private, non-commercial activities.
They reflect a continuing curiosity about science and technology and an interest in understanding developments beyond individual disciplines and national borders. The selection of topics is necessarily personal: I concentrate on developments that I consider scientifically interesting, technologically significant or worth bringing to the attention of a wider professional audience.
Artificial-intelligence tools may support research, translation, language editing and the preparation of material. The assessment of sources, scientific interpretation and responsibility for the published content remain with the author.
For further information on data protection and the use of artificial intelligence, please see the Privacy Policy and the corresponding information on this website.
