China’s Suning and SAP from Germany are partnering to conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence, the internet of things, big data, cloud computing and blockchain technologies.

The deal will see Suning and SAP research and develop smart-retail innovations and explore the revolutionary application of digitised-economy technology in China’s retail, financial and sports industries.

They will also work towards improving supply-chain solutions to SMEs to empower China’s retail industry; establish intelligent warehousing and delivery systems to improve the logistics industry, and construct a digitised platform for Chinese football clubs and youth training systems designed to help support the development of the sport in China.

Suning is also keen to create more opportunities for overseas brands from Germany to access the lucrative Chinese market. Last year, sales of German brands achieved €1.5 billion (US$1.76 billion) on Suning.com’s omni-channel retail platform while Suning’s overseas shopper numbers grew 116 per cent.

The agreement between Suning and SAP was reached during the China-Germany intergovernmental consultations in Berlin this week.