The Hai'an Economic Development Zone (HAEDZ), located in Nantong, Jiangsu province, has emerged as a dynamic hub for high-tech innovation and growth, fostering a supportive environment for companies to thrive and innovate.

As of December 2023, HAEDZ was home to 173 high-tech enterprises, including seven nationally recognized "little giants" and 19 provincially designated specialized and innovative firms.

To boost the growth of high-tech enterprises, the zone has intensified collaborations with universities and research institutions. Partnerships have been established with renowned institutions including Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). These collaborations have led to the establishment of research institutes locally, facilitating tailored partnerships between academia and industry.

Recent data reveals that the zone has formed 900 research collaboration agreements with domestic universities and research institutions, amounting to a total project value of 370 million yuan ($51.65 million).

The zone's eight major research institutes have initiated technology transfer agencies covering areas such as smart equipment manufacturing, rail transit, new materials, new energy, and next-generation information technology. They have not only provided local enterprises with efficient technological and talent support but also helped Hai'an incubate numerous emerging and future industries.

For instance, the collaboration with SJTU alone has resulted in the incubation of several tech companies that specialize in the robot sector, propelling the development of Nantong’s robotics and artificial intelligence industries.

In addition, the polyester release film material industry located within the zone has been selected as a distinctive industry cluster for small and medium-sized enterprises in Jiangsu, further driving the advancement of the new materials industry in Hai'an.