Huawei’s involvement in providing funding for academic research competitions and producing extensive reports through a foundation in the US has recently come under scrutiny, leading to a swift termination of these partnerships. Here are the details:
Huawei and Optica Foundation End Relationship
Elizabeth Rogan, the head of the Optica Foundation, announced that they have terminated all relations with Huawei and will return the funds provided by Huawei over the past two years. Initially, the foundation supported Huawei’s policies, but this decision was reversed due to pressure from US authorities.
Huawei had been organizing academic research competitions and providing significant funding through a foundation in the US. When this relationship came to light, it sparked controversy, particularly among US legal circles, who argued that these actions indirectly violated sanctions. This caught the attention of the government, increasing the pressure on the foundation.
The sudden shift by the foundation is largely attributed to the pressure exerted by US authorities. Legal experts in the US claimed that the funding relationship violated sanctions, prompting the government to take notice. This resulted in the Optica Foundation making a policy U-turn.
This development highlights the challenges Huawei faces in the US, as the tech giant’s academic collaborations have been severed. It also reflects the broader trade and technology competition between the US and China.
What do you think about these kinds of funding supports in terms of academic independence? What are your thoughts on Huawei’s actions? Feel free to share your comments with us…
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