PHOTO: VCG

By Staff Reporters

In 2014, it was planned that Beijing would become an international science and technology innovation hub, complementing its roles as a political and cultural center. To help achieve that goal, the International Center for Science and Technology Innovation was established the same year.

Since then, the center has helped Beijing make remarkable progress, emerging as a global leader in scientific research, high-impact researchers and innovation indexes. For eight consecutive years, Beijing topped the charts in the number of papers published in prestigious journals, showcasing the city's prowess in research and knowledge creation.

According to the Nature Index Science Cities 2023 rankings, Beijing maintained its position as the world's top city for scientific publications in over 80 nature sciences research journals for eight years in a row.

Beijing has also seen a significant increase in invention patents, with the number per capita quadrupling over the decade. This surge, from 48.2 patents per 10,000 people in 2014 to 262.9 patents in 2023, reflects the city's vibrant ecosystem for innovation and its relentless pursuit of technological advancements. The Science Citation Index also recognized Beijing as a global leader, with 411 highly cited scientists, surpassing American city Boston's count of 371.

The center also plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and job creation. The jump in the annual technology contract turnover from 313.6 billion RMB in 2014 to 853.69 billion RMB in 2023 highlights the commercial impact of innovations emerging from Beijing's research institutions and startups. The rise in the number of national high-tech enterprises from 10,400 in 2014 to 28,300 in 2023, along with 114 unicorn companies, has solidified Beijing's position as a magnet for tech-driven entrepreneurship.

One of the cornerstones of the center's success is its focus on enhancing the innovation ecosystem. This includes initiatives to optimize national laboratories, promote breakthrough technologies, and nurture high-quality professionals. Establishing new industries and clusters, such as AI, aerospace, and biomedicine, has diversified Beijing's economic landscape and contributed to its global reputation as an innovation hub.

Looking ahead, Beijing's development roadmap includes perfecting research systems, building world-class science parks, implementing institutional reforms to support innovation, fostering international collaboration, and driving sustainable development initiatives. These efforts underscore the city's commitment to remaining at the forefront of global innovation and shape the future of technology and research.

Overall, the International Center for Science and Technology Innovation's journey over the past decade exemplifies China's dedication to advancing science, technology and global leadership in innovation. With a solid foundation and strategic initiatives, Beijing is poised to continue driving impactful innovations that benefit society and propel economic growth in the years to come.