In recent years, Shanghai has consistently implemented national strategies to strengthen its advanced scientific and technological capabilities. The city has concentrated on cultivating talent, enhancing basic research, accelerating technological breakthroughs, and fostering international collaboration. These efforts have significantly elevated Shanghai's overall scientific and technological strength and improved the efficiency of its innovation system.

Comprehensive strength of science and technology

In 2024, Shanghai allocated approximately 4.4 percent of its GDP to research and development. Most notably, about 11 percent was dedicated to basic research — a crucial foundation for scientific progress.

Shanghai's scientists have made significant contributions, publishing 158 papers in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature and Cell, accounting for 30 percent of the national total.

The city boasts over 25,000 high-tech enterprises. Certified and registered technology contracts reached a total value of 520 billion yuan ($71.43 billion), representing a 7.2 percent growth compared with the previous year. The revenue from the technology service industry is projected to grow by 9.2 percent.

In the Global Innovation Index 2024 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.

By the end of 2024, Shanghai had taken the lead in more than 900 major national science and technology projects, achieving a series of groundbreaking innovations.

New research and development institutions, such as the Synthetic Biology Innovation Center, have been established. The construction of the high-efficiency and low-carbon gas turbine test facility has been completed. The innovation ecosystem in Zhangjiang High-Tech Park and Grand Neobay has been optimized.

Flourishing high-level scientific and technological innovation

Shanghai vigorously reorganized its key State laboratories. 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 370 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.

Shanghai plans to allocate research and development funding equivalent to around 4.5 percent of its total GDP in 2025, up from 3.41 percent in 2014 when the city first set the goal of becoming an international center for science and technology innovation.

The city will launch a global science and technology partnership program. A new batch of labs involving collaborations between local scientists and those from countries and regions involved in Belt and Road Initiative will be established.

Flagship events and global recognition

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

> Flagship events:

-- 2024 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 300 municipal science popularization venues. These spaces promote scientific literacy and engagement.

The scientific literacy of Shanghai's residents is among the highest in China and reaches a world-leading level.

Updated: Feb 25, 2025

Source: thepaper.cn, people.com.cn, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality