City leads nation in sci-tech innovation

During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Beijing has significantly bolstered its innovation capabilities, competitiveness, and influence as an international sci-tech hub, becoming key in the global innovation network.

Zhang Jihong, director of the Beijing Science and Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, said that the city, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, has developed and executed a series of policies to advance its status as an international innovation center. These efforts have resulted in the initiation of 1,105 key projects and major tasks.

The city has made remarkable strides in various fields, consistently achieving top rankings. For example, it has held the top spot worldwide in the "Nature Index — Science Cities" for eight consecutive years and ranked third globally in the "International Science and Technology Innovation Index" for three consecutive years. Additionally, its research and development investment intensity has consistently remained around 6 percent, placing it among the leading innovative cities worldwide.

In 2024, Beijing led the nation in several metrics, including the number of high-value invention patents per 10,000 people; the transaction volume of technology contracts; and the number of national high-tech companies and specialized, sophisticated small and medium-sized enterprises.

It has focused on developing a robust innovation platform and resource layout, establishing itself as a key source of independent and original innovation in China. The city has built 145 national key laboratories, and the Beijing Huairou National Comprehensive Science Center hosts 37 sci-tech facility platforms, with 29 in the research phase.

The "three cities and one area "strategy, which includes the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area and the science cities of Zhongguancun, Huairou and Changping, has fostered enhanced coordination and integration over the past five years. These areas collectively account for nearly 30 percent of Beijing's enterprises and 60 percent of its R&D personnel and funding.

Zhongguancun continues to serve as a "test field" for reform, with all 24 major pilot reform measures fully implemented and innovative policies such as "paying after using sci-tech achievements" being adopted nationwide.

In terms of systemic reform and talent cultivation, Beijing has established a leading group to enhance educational support for science, technology, and talent development.

Leveraging high-quality resources, including 92 universities, 34"Double First-Class" universities, and 185 first-class disciplines, Beijing has optimized its academic and specialty layout, fostered topnotch innovative talent, strengthened organized scientific research, and accelerated the transformation of sci-tech achievements.

To support young talents, over 80 percent of the Beijing Natural Science Foundation projects are taken on by individuals under the age of 45.

"A positive cycle of 'education cultivates talent — talent leads innovation — innovation drives development' has initially taken shape," said Zhang Yaotian, deputy director of the Beijing Education Commission.