China's 1st scencario innovation city alliance established in Hefei

On May 27, China's first Scencario Innovation City Alliance was established in Hefei, bringing together 19 cities across China to drive collaborative innovation. This initiative implements China's strategy to develop new quality productive forces through large-scale demonstration of technological applications.

Hefei, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Tangshan were elected as the alliance's chair cities, with several other cities and districts taking on vice-chair roles. The secretariat of the council will be set permanently in Hefei.

During the meeting, cities shared practical innovation models. Hefei highlighted its development of landmark projects like the Quantum City Network since its launch of the “City of scencario Innovation” initiative in 2022. Hangzhou demonstrated its full-chain collaboration system, while Ningbo presented smart healthcare solutions. Other cities contributed specialized approaches: Tangshan focused on industrial transformation, Changsha on AI applications, and Wuxi proposed institutional frameworks to sustain innovation. 

The alliance will operate on principles of open sharing and collaborative innovation, focusing on four strategic priorities in 2025: cross-regional resource sharing, joint technological breakthroughs, demonstration projects, and the creation of "super scencarios." Key initiatives include establishing a dynamic opportunity list for scencario applications, building a shared database for urban innovation scenarios, organizing cross-city matchmaking events, and developing replicable model projects.

"The alliance is a concrete implementation of China's national strategy to develop new quality productive forces, "attendees said. Member cities need to gather and work together to promote scenario innovation and high-quality development. Hefei, as the secretariat, will lead the alliance in enhancing collaboration and ensuring the integration of innovative practices across member cities.

As a new landmark of innovation in Anhui, the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi) will benefit from the alliance in terms of innovation cooperation and influence enhancement, potentially serving as a testbed for cutting-edge solutions developed through this cross-city collaboration.