Shanghai has introduced a comprehensive set of new policies aimed at fast-tracking the development of its science and technology services industry, providing renewed impetus for the city’s ambition to establish itself as a leading global centre of innovation.
The initiative, titled “Opinions on Further Deepening Reform and Innovation to Accelerate High-Quality Development of the Science and Technology Services Sector,” outlines strategic reforms designed to strengthen the ecosystem supporting innovation.
Key elements of the plan include empowering enterprises as the primary engines of innovation, enhancing collaboration across research, development, and commercialisation to bridge crucial gaps in the innovation chain, and refining governance and operational mechanisms to create an integrated, full-cycle service infrastructure, Shine News reports.
These efforts aim to foster a more dynamic, efficient, and globally competitive environment for science and technology services in Shanghai.
The “Opinions” document presents 16 strategic measures and 39 detailed initiatives, organised around three key pillars: supply, demand, and the overall innovation environment.
From the supply perspective, Shanghai plans to increase public access to research facilities and scientific resources, enhancing availability for a broader range of users.
It will also establish a centralised “scientific data bank” to facilitate data sharing and collaboration. In addition, the city aims to develop integrated innovation models that connect funding sources, incubators, proof-of-concept centres, and industrial clusters, creating a more cohesive innovation pipeline.
Efforts will also be made to upgrade professional training programs, accelerate the commercialisation of intellectual property, and promote cutting-edge services, such as online testing platforms and IoT-enabled diagnostic solutions.
On the demand side, Shanghai is working to stimulate market-oriented innovation by broadening the range of real-world application scenarios for scientific and technological solutions.
The city will enhance financial support mechanisms, including the expansion of tools like innovation vouchers, to incentivise enterprise-led R&D. Additionally, it aims to attract top-tier international science and technology service providers, bringing global expertise into the local ecosystem.
Another key priority is aligning with international standards, which will help ensure the mutual recognition of scientific outcomes and facilitate cross-border collaboration and commercialisation.
To improve the overall innovation environment, Shanghai will focus on expanding and diversifying its talent base to meet the growing needs of the science and technology sector, and streamlining the cross-border flow of research data to promote international collaboration.
The city also aims to enhance financial support for enterprises, making it easier for science and tech firms to access funding and scale their operations.
Moreover, efforts will be made to build stronger industry branding, positioning Shanghai as a global leader in science and technology services.