Innovation zone celebrates host of industry achievements

Zhangjiang supporting Shanghai to become global technology, innovation hub

Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone in Shanghai, the first national-level high-tech zone approved by the State Council in 1988, has reported outstanding results in its support of the city becoming a globally influential hub of technology and innovation.

The zone, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, has established 22 industrial parks which are located across all 16 districts of Shanghai covering a combined 531 square kilometers.

Zhangjiang High-tech Park, a famous high-tech hub in itself, is home to a great number of foreign-invested research and development centers. Jinqiao Park, which is known for its export processing businesses, is also part of the zone.

Bustling business hub

In the past three decades, the zone has become a gathering place for innovative businesses and emerging industries. It is home to more than 70,000 high-tech companies employing some 2.1 million people, according to the zone.

To date, more than 1,900 research and development centers and 44 academic institutes have settled in the zone, and over 80 percent of Shanghai's high-caliber professionals have chosen to locate in Zhangjiang.

In 2017, key companies in the zone reported combined 4.69 trillion yuan ($673 billion) in operating income. The value of industrial throughput was 1.44 trillion yuan.

According to the zone, the companies located there have registered 156,000 independently-developed intellectual property rights.

Forefront of global trends

Emerging industries in Zhangjiang have reported rapid development over the past few years. Clusters of five key industrial sectors are now located in the zone - future information technology, high-end manufacturing, biotechnology, energy saving and new materials.

Industrial clusters for new energy, high-tech services and new energy vehicles are also developing well in the zone.

In recent years, the zone also paid close attention to building the region into a springboard for the integration of the technology and culture industries.

According to the zone, a well-developed pharmaceutical product chain - that covers research and development and the commercialization of research results and services - has been established, attracting leading multinational enterprises such as Pfizer and Novartis to launch operations there.

Integrated circuit businesses in Zhangjiang have also reported breakthroughs and made significant contributions to supporting industry development in China.

Zhangjiang has reported breakthroughs in many advanced scientific fields and some results represent the highest industry level. The zone has participated in or initiated many key scientific projects covering the development of deep sea exploration, quantum communications and manned spacecraft.

Good news is also being reported in areas such as high-end medical imaging equipment, stem cell treatment and microchip development and production, according to the zone's officials.

The zone has long been committed to promoting internationalization and has established a market-driven working mechanism which supports the smooth interaction between businesses and international markets.

To date, there are some 45,000 foreign experts and overseas returnees working in the zone. The number of Fortune Global 500-listed companies in the zone hit 325 by Sept 25, accounting for one-third of the total located in China.

The innovation hub has joined forces with the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the first of its kind in China, to provide all necessary conveniences to support cross-border trade and cooperation.

The zone has made a name for itself in creating a premium environment for startups and innovative businesses. It has more than 600 public service platforms that can offer services ranging from intellectual property rights, fintech, the recruitment of professionals, to business incubation.

New mechanisms

The zone has made great efforts to make itself an ideal place for startups and innovative businesses to operate.

It has long been promoting streamlined administrative procedures to delegate more power to lower-level industrial parks to enhance working efficiency.

The government of the zone is piloting the concept which allows individual parks to administrate themselves.

Promoting an upgraded industrial development model has been another key task of the zone in recent years. By setting detailed industrial development plans in advance, promoting industrial cluster projects and closely working with enterprises, universities and research institutes, the zone is hoping to develop complete industrial chains.

Innovation in investment and service models is also being promoted by the zone's administrators. Policies have been developed and education, healthcare and science facilities have been built to provide better support for individuals and businesses in the zone.

Looking ahead, the zone will continue to support the construction of key science laboratories and promote the building of the Zhangjiang Science City. It will gear up to make breakthroughs in sectors such as quantum computing and treatments for Alzheimer's disease, according to the zone.

Moreover, the zone will continue to optimize its industrial chain and promote the construction of technology trade service platforms.

Key projects are to be planned for the integrated circuit, smart vehicles and artificial intelligence industries, according to the zone.

In upcoming years, more favorable policies and more new government services will be unveiled to create a more open, inclusive and efficient business ecosystem in Zhangjiang.

Zhangjiang will continue to expand its talent pool to better support business innovation in the zone. It will try its best to get approval from the Ministry of Public Security to launch more entry-exit policies to better meet professional demand.

Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone in Shanghai is the first national-level high-tech zone approved by the State Council in 1988.Photos Provided To China Daily