Zhejiang Lab is an R&D facility led by the provincial government of Zhejiang. [Photo/official website of Zhejiang Lab]

The People's Government of Zhejiang Province unveiled detailed plans to advance its innovation-driven development strategy at a news conference in Hangzhou on Dec 9.

The initiative aims to position the province as a high-level innovation hub, integrating education, talent development, and industrial innovation.

Officials emphasized a targeted focus on building capabilities in artificial intelligence, life sciences, and advanced materials and energy. Major projects will include humanoid robotics, low-altitude economy applications, quantum technology, integrated circuits, and biotechnology.

The province will also support innovation in traditional industries such as rice wine, celadon ceramics, and wood carving by modernizing production processes and materials through coordinated efforts with local governments.

Zhejiang plans to overhaul its talent policies to support workforce mobility. Residency, social security, and full-time employment requirements will be loosened to encourage the flow of researchers and professionals between institutions and industries.

The province will create cross-sector roles, such as placing university researchers in corporate leadership positions as "science and technology officers" and appointing business professionals as "industrial professors" in universities and colleges.

Higher education will also undergo significant reform. Zhejiang's universities plan to increase science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agricultural programs, introduce new interdisciplinary fields, and adjust curricula to meet the demands of a more innovation-focused economy.