Zhuhai's Xiangzhou District has ranked 5th nationwide for innovation capabilities in science and technology, according to research published on Oct 8.

Government R&D investment of 4.3 billion yuan ($673 million) last year led to a large increase in invention patents, accounting for approximately 60 percent of the city's total.

The district includes the National Hi-Tech Industrial Development, Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial, and Free Trade zones; Hengqin New Area, and Nanping Industrial Park. It also made lists for several other important development indicators, scoring among the top 100 in comprehensive strength (48th), green development (19th), investment potential (32nd) and new-type urbanization quality (15th).

Xiangzhou's development has been spurred by events, programs, and competitions emphasizing innovation and recognition of the importance of talent.

The research was conducted by the Research Group of Development Index of Chinese Small & Medium-sized Cities and the Research Institute of Development Strategy for Small-Medium Cities in cooperation with the Development Research Think Tank of China.

2018 (Zhuhai) Xiangzhou District Sci-Tech Innovation Competition [Photo by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily]