Hubei advances science and technological innovation

Hubei province is strengthening the deep integration of scientific and industrial innovation to promote the rapid growth and strengthening of new quality productive forces, said Wang Zhonglin, the governor of the province and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress.

During an open panel discussion held by delegation from the province to the second session of the 14th National People's Congress on Wednesday, Wang said that Hubei has emerged as a national hub for scientific and technological innovation, with the provincial capital of Wuhan at the forefront.

He said Wuhan has accelerated its construction of domestically influential sci-tech innovation center. The city is home to one national laboratory, 10 provincial laboratories and eight major science and technology facilities, alongside 163 national key laboratories, and 477 new R&D institutions.

Furthermore, the province has also established 163 national-level innovation centers and 477 new research institutions.

Wang notably pointed out the progress made in addressing 29 key core technologies, marking a significant stride forward.

Emphasizing Hubei's richness in science, education, and industry, Wang underscored the province's focus on the primary direction of new industrialization, coordinating the simultaneous advancement of traditional industry upgrades, the growth of emerging industries, and the cultivation of future industries.

Ma Xinqiang, chairman of Huagong Technology and a deputy to the NPC, stressed the necessity of cultivating young talent in innovation.

He called for deeper collaboration between enterprises and universities to nurture more engineering experts at the master's and doctoral levels, asserting that such efforts would enhance collaboration between industries, academia and research institutions, ultimately leading to greater self-reliance in science and technology.

You Zheng, president of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, also a deputy to the NPC, highlighted the university's role in supporting Hubei's transition towards high-end industries. He proposed aligning with the country's primary regional development needs, emphasizing the importance of elevating the quality of talent cultivation.