Supportive funding

The zone's government considers trained experts to be its most valuable assets and provides necessary funding to support their research and development.

Shengrui Transmission Co - developer of the world's first front-engine, front-drive 8-gear auto transmission, or 8AT - obtained more than 15 million yuan ($2.18 million) in supportive funding from the zone in 2015 and 2016.

Peter Tenberge, a professor specializing in mechanical engineering with the Ruhr Bochum University in Germany, obtained 1 million yuan in funding for development of the 8AT system from the high-tech zone government in May 2015.

Shengrui's 8AT won the National Science and Technology Progress Award in January. The award is one of China's top prizes devised by the State Council in recognition of scientific contributions made by both groups and individuals. The company has become the first auto parts supplier to obtain such an award in China since 1949.

A technician with Shengrui Transmission Co assembles an 8-gear automatic transmission at the company’s production line.

"Shengrui could not have achieved such success without global talent support," said Liu Xiangwu, chairman of the board of Shengrui.

In the development zone, smaller companies enjoy equal opportunities when they apply for talent funding.

Hoaco Automation Technology Co, a precision equipment developer and manufacturer in the zone, obtained 3 million yuan in talent funding from Shandong province, Weifang city and the zone's government in 2016.

"Our business is still in a crucial era of development, which requires huge investments in R&D. The talent-supporting policy is very helpful to us," said Song Guanghui, chairman of the board of Hoaco.

In 2016, the development zone provided nearly 28 million yuan in funding to more than 140 high-caliber professionals from around the world.

Apart from providing funds and technological support, the local government invested heavily in public facilities so experts in the area can enjoy excellent living conditions.

"Many professionals will take a city's public facilities into consideration," said Ma.

The zone has developed international schools, hospitals and churches to cater to the needs of global talents.

In 2016, the zone developed 325 well-equipped apartments for experts. Villas were also made available. Residential property purchase coupons and subsidies are available to experts moving to the area.