Qingdao is accelerating a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone. [Photo/IC]

CCID Consulting released the 2024 top 100 advanced manufacturing cities list on Dec 25. Qingdao moved from seventh place last year to sixth place this year, and was the only northern city in the top 10.

The higher ranking is a reflection of the continuous acceleration of Qingdao's advanced manufacturing industry development.

This year, Qingdao has been focusing on promoting new quality productive forces led by innovation, which is accelerating a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone. It is also continuously improving the quality and efficiency of manufacturing development. The role of manufacturing as a pillar of economic development is becoming increasingly prominent.

The city's industrial foundation has been further strengthened, and the number of the city's manufacturing enterprises continues to grow.

According to official data, 127 key manufacturers in Qingdao have expanded their capacity and production, with output value increasing by 12.3 percent from January to October, lifting the industrial output value of designated enterprises by 3 percentage points. There have been 550 enterprises receiving upgrades, and the industrial revenue of designated enterprises in the first three quarters reaching 981.65 billion yuan ($134.5 billion), ranking first in Shandong province.

By expanding development through projects, Qingdao has accelerated the progress of 95 investment projects totaling 168 billion yuan, and advanced 100 major strategic projects. Sixteen projects, including CRRC Times Electric and BOE Art Cloud, have been signed and implemented, and projects like the second phase of the COSMOPlat Industrial Internet Eco Park and AstraZeneca has been given an accelerated timeline.