Tai'an in Shandong province has been named as one of the 39 innovation-driven demonstration cities in China, according to a notice regarding the construction of innovation-driven demonstration cities (2023-25) issued recently by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

Led by CAST, the initiative to build innovation-driven demonstration cities is aimed at creating several influential areas within China that leverage scientific and technological innovation to achieve outstanding economic and social development.

The Tai'an Association for Science and Technology has in recent years been exploring new models for the integration of sci-tech and the economy. To date, Tai'an has established close ties with 108 national and provincial academic societies and is home to 103 political, industrial, academic and research platforms. 

The association has also gathered 850 companies to join the Science and Technology Innovation in China digital platform, which provides comprehensive technological services. 

In cooperation with the Architectural Society of China, Beihang University, the China Software Industry Association, the China Communications Industry Association and other parties, the city has created 13 sci-tech teams to better service relevant industries.