Shanghai's science and technology community is becoming more educated, internationalized, and younger, according to a report released ahead of the ninth National Science and Technology Workers' Day, observed on May 30.

The report, issued by the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology, shows that the number of sci-tech professionals in Shanghai surpassed 2.8 million in 2023, an increase of 440,000 from 2019 and a growth rate of 18.6 percent over the last five years.

The composition of the workforce has seen significant improvement.

As of April 2023, Shanghai was home to 172 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, accounting for 9.93 percent of the national total and ranking second nationwide.

The number of R&D personnel in the city rose to 404,700 in 2023, marking a 49.2 percent increase over the past five years.

Meanwhile, 1.86 million science and technology professionals were employed in high-tech enterprises, reflecting a 54.9 percent increase during the same period.

A notable rise in educational attainment and research output also stood out in the report.

Professionals with master's or doctoral degrees made up 56.9 percent of the total workforce, an increase of 13.4 percentage points compared to five years ago.

More than two-thirds of professionals are engaged in work that is related to their academic background.

Regarding high-quality research output, Shanghai-based scientists published 158 papers in Nature, Science and Cell in 2023, accounting for 30 percent of China's national total and setting a new record.

Confidence in the future remains high among the city's science professionals.

Survey results showed that 73.3 percent of respondents expressed strong or moderate confidence in China's goal of becoming a leading global center for innovation and talent by 2035.

In addition, 58.1 percent said they were optimistic about their career prospects over the next five years, while 59 percent expected improved living standards.

Shanghai's appeal as a career destination was also reflected in the survey.

About 57.6 percent of respondents cited the city's abundant development opportunities, 46.5 percent appreciated its inclusive social environment, and 31.4 percent highlighted its high level of internationalization.

Source: Shanghai Observer