In 2024, the “China Regional Science and Technology Innovation Evaluation Report 2024,” presented at the Pujiang Innovation Forum, has once again drawn attention to the progress of China’s scientific and technological innovations. This report evaluates scientific and technological activities, the growth of high-tech industries, and regional collaborative innovation systems across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. It highlights the remarkable advancements in regional innovation levels, demonstrating their crucial role in achieving China’s technological self-reliance and building a strong science and technology nation.
Multi-Layered Advancement in Technological Innovation
Despite being a centrally governed nation, China’s innovations leverage the unique strengths of each region. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Tianjin, and Zhejiang are particularly recognized as leaders at the national level. These regions, while serving as capital and major economic and industrial hubs, have also cultivated distinct innovation ecosystems.
For instance, Beijing and Shanghai, as the country’s economic and administrative centers, function as global science and technology hubs. Meanwhile, Guangdong and Jiangsu, with their strong manufacturing bases, are actively driving the expansion of high-tech industries. These multi-layered innovation strategies across regions are powering the overall advancement of China’s scientific and technological capabilities.
The Power of Collaborative Innovation: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Yangtze River Delta
The report also highlights the significant role played by large-scale urban clusters like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji), the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in driving innovation. In particular, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei collaborative development initiative, which has seen strengthened cooperation between enterprises and a visible increase in regional technology transfers and economic collaboration. These collaborative innovation efforts have contributed greatly to narrowing regional disparities and enhancing China’s overall technological prowess.
The Yangtze River Delta, for example, has been reported to account for over 30% of the nation’s patents and high-tech industry sales, indicating that regional technological innovation is closely linked to economic development.
Impact on the Economy and Society, and Future Outlook
China’s technological innovation extends beyond technical advancements, significantly influencing the broader economy and society. The improved output of scientific activities and the promotion index for economic development have become powerful engines for upgrading industrial structures and achieving sustainable growth. The rapid growth of high-tech industries reflects a shift from labor-intensive manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy, a trend expected to continue.
To further enhance international competitiveness, China continues to strengthen its regional innovation systems by capitalizing on the unique characteristics of each area. The policies promoting the collaborative development of urban clusters and integrating innovation with economic and social progress will provide a strong foundation for sustained growth.
In conclusion, the report shows that China is solidifying its position as a leading science and technology power through regional specialization and collaborative innovation. This approach is expected to further drive economic and social development, with future trends in this area attracting significant attention.
