The “China Urban Science and Technology Innovation Development Report (2023)” was officially released on January 28th, revealing significant advancements in technological innovation across Chinese cities. Notably, Hefei, the capital of Anhui province, made its debut in the “Top Ten Cities Nationwide” for the first time, according to the report.
Published by the research team of the Capital Institute of Science and Technology Development, the report introduces the “China Urban Science and Technology Innovation Development Index Indicator System.”
This system assesses the technological innovation levels of 288 cities at or above the prefectural level in China, providing a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and trends in urban science and technology innovation development. The report focuses on promoting innovation through balanced development and offers insights and recommendations.
The 2023 China Urban Science and Technology Innovation Development Index consists of three hierarchical indicators. The first-level indicators include innovation resources, innovation environment, innovation services, and innovation performance. The second-level indicators comprise innovation talents, research and development funds, among others, totaling 10 indicators. At the third level, there are 21 specific indicators.
In the ranking of the top ten cities in technological innovation development, Beijing secured the top spot, followed by Shenzhen, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Hefei, which entered the top ten for the first time. Over a five-year span, cities like Wuhu, Tianjin, and Hefei demonstrated significant leaps, rising by 10, 7, and 7 positions, respectively. In terms of innovation resources, Hefei ranked third nationally, trailing only behind Beijing and Shenzhen.
This achievement reflects Hefei’s proactive approach in seizing the development track through technological innovation. In 2023, Hefei saw the completion and operation of six comprehensive national scientific centers and the establishment of four national key laboratories, including those for deep space exploration. The city is also progressing in the construction of facilities for future network experiments, compact fusion energy experimental devices, advanced light sources, and lightning protection facilities.
Furthermore, Hefei has accelerated the transformation of technological achievements, witnessing the addition of 13 national-level incubators last year, ranking second nationwide.
The city also added three national enterprise technology centers, ranking fourth in total numbers. Nineteen new innovative research institutions were established, contributing to over 3000 high-tech achievements from universities and research institutions. Noteworthy events such as the China (Anhui) Scientific and Technological Cooperation Fair and the China Aerospace Conference have provided platforms for the implementation of scientific achievements, with the total turnover of technical contract transactions in the city surpassing 1200 billion yuan.
Through initiatives like establishing urban scenario innovation companies and operating international advanced technology application promotion centers, Hefei is rapidly becoming a hub that connects the global innovation network and gathers high-end innovation resources, positioning itself as a rising force in the realm of technological innovation.
