Qingdao ranks 17th nationwide and first in Shandong in the 2024 China Urban Tech Innovation Competitiveness report by CCID. [Photo/WeChat account: qd12301]

Recently, the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID) released the 2024 China Urban Tech Innovation Competitiveness report along with the top 100 list of city technological innovation competitiveness for 2024. The list shows that Qingdao was included in the top 100, ranking 17th nationwide and first in Shandong province.

The research system for technological innovation competitiveness is a quantitative evaluation system that assesses the overall level of regional technological innovation development.

The list shows that cities in provinces such as Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, and Guangdong have kept the lead in regional technological innovation, maintaining a trend of concentration. Shandong added three new cities to the top 100 list, and with a total of 11 cities – Qingdao, Jinan, Yantai, Weifang, Zibo, Weihai, Dezhou, Jining, Linyi, Binzhou, and Taian – the province has the second most nationally.

Technological advancements are the key to high-quality urban development. Cities lay the groundwork for technological innovation, offer key production factors, high-level carriers, and promote the deep integration of technology innovation and industrial development.

In recent years, Qingdao has accelerated its innovation-driven development strategy, and promoted fusing science and technology with industry. The city has also improved the quality and efficiency of technological innovation platforms, and created a place for scientific and technological talents to come together.