#China #Chengdu #Innovation Hub #Five-Year Plan

Chengdu: The Emergence of a Global Innovation Center

Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province in southwest China, is rapidly establishing itself as a significant global hub for innovation, particularly as it reaches towards the goals set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). By 2025, Chengdu has climbed to the impressive 24th position in the Global Innovation Index, marking a significant milestone in its developmental journey.

Transformative Changes and Strategic Goals

The fundamental strategy driving this transformation has been to evolve the Chengdu-Chongqing region into a powerhouse for scientific and technological innovation. Central to these efforts is the establishment of the Western (Chengdu) Science City, which provides an advanced innovation ecosystem comprising a national laboratory, four national innovation centers, ten key scientific infrastructures, and four Tianfu laboratories.

One of the pivotal aspects of this transformation is the launch of approximately 96 national innovation platforms, which include the National Center for Industrial Innovation in Precision Medicine and the National Supercomputing Center. These platforms collaborate closely with 27 national-level research institutions and have initiated 65 collaborative innovation projects with universities and research institutes.

Early Adoption of Future Industries

Chengdu has taken proactive steps to cultivate future-oriented industries. It has issued implementation guidelines for 24 sectors, including humanoid robotics and flexible display technology. In a significant move earlier this year, the city announced the establishment of a Future Industry Fund amounting to 100 billion Yuan (approximately 14.1 billion USD) aimed at supporting hard-tech startups.

The online and offline service systems, exemplified by the “Sci-Tech Express plus Sci-Tech Island,” have streamlined the commercialization of innovations. The offline platform, Sci-Tech Island, accommodates 102 service providers offering 104 different services, while the online platform, Sci-Tech Express, has provided services over 200,000 times to sci-tech enterprises.

Innovations Impacting Daily Life

The impact of these innovations is noticeable throughout the urban landscape. From technological interventions at the 2021 World University Games in Chengdu, where over 170 tech products enhanced event facilities and spectator experiences, to AI-driven rehabilitation robots catering to the elderly population, the city is witnessing tangible advancements. Additionally, Chengdu has introduced a smart security monitoring network that oversees underground pipelines, bridges, and tunnels, further enhancing public safety.

Currently, Chengdu’s innovative ecosystem includes more than 14,500 national high-tech enterprises and 354 classified as “little giants”—elite small and medium-sized enterprises focusing on specific sectors. The city has established five national innovation and entrepreneurship demonstration centers and 76 national incubators and manufacturing spaces, fostering a total of 5,702 ongoing projects.

These initiatives have solidified Chengdu's reputation as the “Best City for Talent Attraction in China” for six consecutive years. Legal reforms in intellectual property rights have spurred 36 local universities and research institutes to complete over 2,000 verifications of ownership, leading to the establishment of 588 enterprises with social investment totaling nearly 21 billion Yuan.

In summary, Chengdu’s extensive investments in innovation and technology, aligned with its ambitious Five-Year Plan, position it as a formidable player on the global stage, promising a bright future filled with advancements and opportunities for growth.