Governments in the Municipality of Shanghai and Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces have officially designated a cross-provincial high-tech industrial development zone as the Yangtze River Delta Qingpu-Wujiang-Jiashan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone.

This move is intended to accelerate regional integration and innovation, the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government announced on Jan 23.

Covering an area of 19.54 square kilometers, the high-tech zone spans Qingpu district in Shanghai, Wujiang district in Jiangsu province, and Jiashan county in Zhejiang province.

The zone focuses on developing digital industries, intelligent manufacturing, green new materials, headquarters economy, and green technology innovation services.

The cross-provincial high-tech zone was first unveiled in July 2023 with a planned area of 49.16 sq km, comprising Qingpu, Wujiang, and Jiashan industrial parks.

A multi-dimensional development pattern is now taking shape. Qingpu focuses on next-generation information technology and high-performance composite materials, while Wujiang emphasizes high-end equipment and green new materials. Jiashan is developing a Huawei-centered industrial park.

In October 2025, an investment fund for the YRD demonstration zone for green and integrated ecological development was established with an initial capital of 500 million yuan ($71.88 million), focusing on green, low-carbon initiatives and technological innovation.

In a bid to attract talent, a list of joint research and development needs for key technologies in the cross-provincial high-tech zone has been released. The list covers eight key technologies in new materials, biomedicine, and auto parts, with project subsidies of up to 5 million yuan available.

Earlier, the executive committee of the YRD demonstration zone released 12 measures to support the zone's high-quality development, focusing on reform, technological innovation, industrial innovation, and resource sharing, including financial support based on fixed asset investment.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal People's Government; Shanghai Observer