R&D intensity increased to historical high in Hefei

Known for its science and technology strengths, Hefei in Anhui province saw its research and development intensity increase to a historical high last year, according to the local government.

The city's R&D expenditure grew by 19 percent year-on-year, reaching 47 billion yuan ($6.42 billion) last year, according to statistics by the Hefei bureau of science and technology released on Oct 17. The ratio of R&D expenditure in comparison with the gross domestic product, known as R&D intensity, stood at 3.91 percent, significantly higher than the national average.

"The ratio evaluates a region's science and technology strengths and how much importance the local authorities attach to innovation," said Dai Bing, deputy director of the bureau.