Shanghai is striving to become a global leader in science and technology innovation. [Photo/CFP]

Recent years have seen Shanghai continuously implement national strategies to bolster its high-level scientific and technological capabilities. The city has focused on cultivating talent, enhancing basic research, accelerating technological breakthroughs, and fostering international collaboration. These efforts have significantly elevated Shanghai's overall science and technology strength and improved the efficiency of its innovation system.

Comprehensive Strength of Science and Technology

In 2023, Shanghai allocated approximately 4.4 percent of its GDP to research and development. Most notably, 10 percent was dedicated to basic research – a crucial foundation for scientific progress.

Shanghai's scientists have made significant contributions, publishing 120 papers in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature and Cell, accounting for 26.2 percent of the national total.

The city boasts over 24,000 high-tech enterprises, marking a 9 percent increase from the previous year. Certified and registered technology contracts reached a total value of 485 billion yuan ($67.02 billion), reflecting a substantial 21.1 percent growth compared with the previous year.

In the Global Innovation Index 2023 by the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Shanghai-Suzhou Cluster ranks fifth among the world's "Best Technology Clusters", with its position continuing to ascend.

Flourishing High-level Scientific and Technological Innovation

Shanghai vigorously reorganized its key State laboratories. Nine new laboratories were established, while 26 existing ones completed reorganization. Additionally, Shanghai participated in the reorganization of 17 laboratories from other provinces and cities.

Statistics show that 15 national major sci-tech infrastructure facilities have been completed or are currently under construction.

High-level scientific and technological innovation platforms, along with new R&D institutions, are rapidly emerging. The National Technological Innovation Center in the Yangtze River Delta collaborates with leading enterprises, establishing joint innovation centers to support innovation consortia.

Key institutions like the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, and the Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence have achieved remarkable milestones.

Shanghai adds more than 360 new sci-tech companies daily. Emphasis is placed on nurturing both "unicorn" enterprises and "invisible champions". Leading companies collaborate with universities, institutions, and upstream/downstream partners.

Efforts to enhance high-risk scientific activities, support young scientists and provide long-term backing are underway. The "Explorer Program" encourages leading enterprises to invest in basic research (currently collaborating with five enterprises). Additionally, a regional innovation joint fund has been established in partnership with the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Flagship Events and Global Recognition

The impact of Shanghai's science and technology innovation events is steadily growing.

> Flagship events:

-- 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum

-- Shanghai Science and Technology Festival

-- Shanghai Science and Technology Communication Conference

-- “Create in Shanghai” International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition

-- Pujiang Basic Science Development Forum

-- PCST2027 Conference

Shanghai boasts over 280 municipal science popularization venues, with an average of one venue for every 80,000 people. These spaces promote scientific literacy and engagement.

The scientific literacy of Shanghai's citizens ranks at the forefront in China and reaches a world-leading level.

Updated: April 15, 2024

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology