Chongqing - Southwest China's Chongqing delegation suggested enhancing  collaborative innovation  in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

In the past three years, both places have implemented an innovation-driven development strategy, establishing over 40 alliances, including universities in Sichuan and Chongqing, high-tech zones, industrial parks, and innovation bases.

The Chengdu-Chongqing region was approved to construct a national pilot zone for the innovation and development of the  next  generation of artificial intelligence, a national mathematics application center, and two state key laboratories.  

The region has introduced 22 new research and development institutions and 137 technological innovation bases.

With a total investment of 100 million yuan (about 14.47 million U.S. dollars), the Chengdu-Chongqing science and technology innovation cooperation program has implemented 115 core technology projects. Chongqing Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone has set up 50 international research and development (R&D) institutions, built 140 municipal innovation platforms, and approved 21 brand-new high-end municipal R&D institutions. 

However, there are still some challenges associated with target positioning. The Chongqing delegation stated that the collaborative innovation capability of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle still faces shortcomings, such as a lack of strategic scientific and technological strength, innovation platforms, and human resources.

In this regard, the delegation suggested supporting the layout of strategic scientific and technological forces in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle while jointly implementing key R&D projects with the country, allowing the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.

According to the Chongqing delegation, China can support Chongqing in carrying out core technological research in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, strategic emerging industries, and future industries. 

A number of other measures have been taken to establish high-level R&D institutions in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, including the construction of large state-owned enterprises, domestic and international prestigious universities, and national first-class scientific research institutes. 

Additionally, the Chongqing delegation suggested supporting the introduction of high-level innovation talents to  the Chengdu-Chongqing region , especially in attracting overseas talents. 

International cooperation in scientific and technological innovation in the Chengdu-Chongqing region should also be enhanced. It is suggested that Chongqing should create an international technology transfer center, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region shall hold a high-level science and technology exchange conference for the Belt and Road.