"I chose the zone because it has well-equipped business services and support platforms," said Guo Wenping, general manager of Shandong Novoshine Optoelectronics Co Ltd.

"The photoelectric industrial park in the zone has a national-level testing lab and a relatively complete industrial chain, which can help us to achieve our product's industrialization in the most effective manner."

Officials said that premium government services on offer were yet another reason for high-caliber professionals to pick the zone to be their new home.

"We are promoting the idea that people who can provide better services for talent are heroes," said Wu Hailiang, an official at the zone's organization department. He added that those who failed to support professionals to start businesses there were falling short of their duties.

Wu said the zone has built 325 apartments, which provide temporary accommodation for top professionals, and two residential communities have been built with a focus on serving international staff.

As a further incentive for professionals to stay, international schools have also been built for their children.

The zone also partnered with Zhao Fuquan, professor and director of the Automotive Research Institute at Tsinghua University and Jiang Long, president of GoerTek, to seek out ideas on how the hub can maintain its sustainable development.

Wang Lian contributed to this story.