Chongqing - Chongqing's high-end motorcycle industry ranked second nationally for tech competitiveness in 2023, while its new energey vehicle (NEV) sector placed fourth, according to the 2024 Industry Science & Technology Competitiveness Report released on December 30.

The report reveals that Chongqing's intelligent networked NEV industry now includes over 200 companies and can park  450,000 vehicles. In 2023, the city produced and sold 500,000 NEVs, ranking second nationally.

Western (Chongqing) Science City. (Photo/Zeng Cheng)

In addition to intelligent connected NEVs, Chongqing's "33618" manufacturing cluster system includes new-generation electronics and advanced materials, ranked fourth, eighth, and tenth in national competitiveness, respectively.

Besides, the 2024 Collaborative Innovation Index Report for the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle shows steady growth in the region's innovation capacity. The index rose from 100.00 in 2020 to 173.47 in 2023, reflecting a 20.16% annual growth rate. It also notes a diversification in patent transfers between cities, with Chengdu leading in technology transfer.

Zhu Xusen, deputy director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences, noted that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. The report highlights new features, including indicators on the integration of technological and industrial innovation, and analyzes innovation effectiveness, such as talent development, research collaboration, and technology transfer.

Jinfeng Laboratory (Photo/Zeng Cheng)

The report examines the technological competitiveness of various districts and counties in Chongqing. Yubei District emerged as a leader, ranking first in five key industries, including intelligent connected NEVs, new-generation electronics, intelligent manufacturing, software services, and biomedicine. Fuling District ranked second in advanced materials and food processing, while Beibei topped the new display industry.

Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. (Photo/Chengdu High-Tech Zone)

The 2024 Annual Chongqing's District and County Science and Technology Competitiveness Evaluation Report reveals that 2023 Chongqing invested 75 billion yuan (USD 10.3 billion) in R&D, a 10% increase. The number of tech-based enterprises grew to 58,500. The city ranked seventh nationally and first in western China for technological innovation.

The top three districts in terms of technological competitiveness were Yubei, Shapingba, and Beibei, followed by Jiangbei, Jiulongpo, Nan'an, Banan, Fuling, Changshou, and Jiangjin districts in fourth to tenth place, respectively.

According to a district-level analysis, Beibei District ranked third in 2023 with a GDP of 78 billion yuan, growing 4.3% year over year. Its growth was fueled by stronger tech competitiveness and industry development, including eight new smart factories, a 31.1% increase in materials output, and a 7.4% rise in equipment manufacturing.