Guangzhou tech innovation drives new quality productive forces

The 2025 Greater Bay Area Science Forum (GSF) opened in Guangzhou's Nansha district on Dec 7. Centered on the theme "industry-research integration drives smart innovation in the GBA," the event featured the release of new municipal policies to advance the integration of scientific and industrial innovation.

In Guangzhou, technological innovation is a key driver of new, quality productive forces. The city boasts over 13,500 high-tech enterprises, including about 7,000 meeting the "four-above" statistical criteria. These firms are notable for their focus on hard technology, strong valuations, and high growth potential. In 2025, 24 Guangzhou-based companies were featured in the Global Unicorn Ranking, securing the city's position as China's fourth-highest ranked for the third consecutive year and placing it among global innovation leaders like Boston and Berlin.

To foster a stronger industrial ecosystem, Guangzhou is actively encouraging closer collaboration among enterprises. The government commonly facilitates platforms that enable businesses to take the lead, thereby integrating upstream and downstream segments of the industrial chain. For example, Sealien Robotics has leveraged government support to establish partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry players, enhancing cooperation and market expansion to deepen the ties between technology and industry.

Through comprehensive top-level planning, the formation of industrial consortia, and enterprise support, Guangzhou has cultivated a diverse, synergistic, and self-sustaining "innovation rainforest" ecosystem to nurture its technology firms.