The central air conditioning production line of Qingdao-based Hisense. CHINA DAILY

Technological and industrial innovations are closely interconnected and mutually reinforcing, driving coordinated development. Advances in technology enable industrial upgrading, while industrial progress creates value and application scenarios that fuel further breakthroughs, experts said.

Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Qingdao in Shandong province has consistently leveraged technological innovation to propel industrial transformation and lead the construction of a modern industrial system.

By accelerating the deep integration of technology and industry, the city has shaped new advantages for high-quality development.

Focusing on innovative industries, Qingdao has rolled out a technological innovation initiative featuring the layout of 10 key demonstration projects, the establishment of 100 sci-tech innovation platforms, the pursuit of 1,000 critical technological breakthroughs, and the cultivation and expansion of 10,000 tech enterprises.

In the modern marine industry, the city has stepped up efforts to achieve self-reliance in marine technology, aiming to build an internationally influential marine science and technology innovation hub.

Qingdao has also launched initiatives to nurture future industries, developing an innovation-driven, well-structured ecosystem with strategic advantages. By closely tracking industry trends and identifying disruptive technologies, the city has regularly compiled research reports and special plans for cutting-edge fields such as deep-sea development and synthetic biology, expediting technological breakthroughs.

Over the past five years, Qingdao has reinforced the dominant role of enterprises in technological innovation, refining the tiered cultivation system of "technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises, high-tech enterprises and leading enterprises".

It has encouraged leading tech companies to partner with universities and research institutes to form 10 innovation consortia in fields such as synthetic biology and large artificial intelligence models, deepening enterprise-led integration of industry, academia and research.

Qingdao has secured the approval of provincial-level inclusive policies, including innovation vouchers, Shandong sci-tech loans, and research and development investment subsidies to stimulate enterprises' enthusiasm for innovation.

The city has also introduced reforms to promote the commercialization of scientific achievements and established a one-stop service platform integrating resources from universities, research institutes, enterprises, talent pools and financial institutions. This platform offers diverse services such as achievement evaluation and technology transactions.

Qingdao will continue to implement the innovation-driven development strategy, advancing high-level technological self-reliance and strength, local officials said.