Recently the Ministry of Science and Technology unveiled the second batch of 92 national innovative-oriented counties (county-level cities). Changsha County, Ningxiang City, Shaodong City, Linli County, and Shaoshan City of Hunan Province made the list. Among them, Changsha County, Linli County, and Shaoshan City ranked first in central China in terms of the construction themes of industrial development, ecological civilization, and people's wellbeing improvement supported by science and technology, respectively. So far, the number of national innovative-oriented counties (county-level cities) in Hunan totals 8, ranking third nationwide and first in central China.

Under the theme of industrial development supported by science and technology, Changsha County, Ningxiang City, and Shaodong City worked hard to make progress.

With the goal of building a global high-end equipment manufacturing cluster, Changsha County has focused on improving its technological innovative ability in the advanced manufacturing, implemented six actions to boost scientific and technological innovation, and enhanced its self-supporting ability to control risks in core parts manufacturing.

Ningxiang City has implemented the innovation-driven development strategy, pooled resources and strengths, and focused on the development of "science and technology + six pillar industries". In 2022, the output value of industrial enterprises above the designated size of the city reached 173.9 billion yuan, up 9.1% year on year. The growth rate of added value of these enterprises was 7.1%. The total R&D spending rose 21.52% year-on-year to 3.224 billion yuan.

Shaodong City has prioritized the innovation-driven transformation of the private economy and promoted intelligent upgrades in enterprises. There are nearly 100,000 business entities. The annual output of lighters reached 12 billion; that of hardware products hit 300 million sets, accounting for more than 40% of domestic market share; and that of schoolbags occupied over 70% of domestic market share.

Under the theme of ecological civilization supported by science and technology, Linli County has recycled and utilized solid waste and non-degradable plastic products to develop a circular economy which was recommended by the National Development and Reform Commission. The percentage of days with good air quality of the county increased from 74.6% to 95.9%. The water quality of 19 sources of urban potable water has met the standards.

Under the theme of people's wellbeing improvement supported by science and technology, Shaoshan City has developed five major industrial chains concerning new energy materials; intelligent manufacturing; medicine and food; culture, sports, tourism and leisure; and, commercial trade and logistics. In addition, the city has unleashed the effects of red or revolutionary tourism to bring prosperity to the people, and built a Shaoshan mode and a national paradigm for red resources-empowered high-quality development.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn