Changsha Promoted Innovation-oriented Development in 2018

Advanced laser processing equipment produced at Hunan Han’s Laser manufacturing center. (Photo/Wang Zhiwei, Changsha Evening News)

The government work report of the national “Two Sessions” 2019, states that we should stick to innovation-oriented development and foster new growth drivers.

In 2018, the Changsha CPC Municipal Committee and the Changsha Municipal People’s Government concentrated on making Changsha into a national science and technology innovation center, implemented an innovation-oriented strategy, and promoted the transformation from high-speed economic development to a high-quality one.

More than 1,200 new high-tech enterprises were accredited. High-tech enterprises increased by more than 700 to over 2,300. High-tech industry total output value grew by 9.26%.

Changsha has been approved as a national innovative pilot city. The number of patents per 10,000 people is 29.6--first in central China.

Research and development expenditures accounted for 2.6% of the city’s GDP, and the technology contract turnover reached 14.5 billion yuan, an annual increase of 42%.

Investment in high-tech industries increased by 28%, and strategic emerging industries added value increased by 10%.

Changsha is among China’s top 10 cities in terms of business environment, innovation, and employment. It won its 11th “Happiest City in China” award in 2018. Innovation has become a huge engine for, and key to, Changsha’s high-quality economic and social development.