Inside Shanghai's Five Centers | Intl sci-tech innovation center

To strengthen its functions as an international center in the fields of economy, finance, trade, shipping, and science and technology innovation, Shanghai has recently released a set of cases highlighting progress in each area.

This edition focuses on three cases that reflect the city's latest advances as an international science and technology innovation center.

Case 1: Basic research pilot zone

Shanghai has established a pioneer zone for fundamental research as part of its efforts to reform the governance of basic science.

The zone adopts a scientist-led selection and evaluation system and has launched the Shanghai Academy of Natural Sciences Scholars program, which focuses on supporting young scientists in undertaking high-risk, high-value research through long-term and stable funding.

At the same time, the zone is developing an open, innovation-oriented evaluation framework that emphasizes the originality and significance of scientific discoveries and research outcomes.

It aims to foster a more enabling academic environment in which scientists are encouraged to pursue exploratory work with strong institutional support.

Guided by the principles of fundamental research and long-term talent development, the pioneer zone is helping to strengthen Shanghai's capacity for original scientific innovation.

Case 2: Shanghai Synthetic Biology Innovation Center

Building on its strong scientific and industrial foundations, Shanghai is advancing the development of a high-standard Synthetic Biology Innovation Center.

Established in November 2023, the Shanghai Synthetic Biology Innovation Center was jointly initiated by leading science and technology service institutions and key synthetic biology innovation partners in China.

The center works closely with research institutions, non-profit organizations, and leading enterprises in China and abroad, focusing on talent network building, technology collaboration, proof of concept, and the transformation of scientific achievements.

To address key challenges in translating synthetic biology research into industrial applications, the center is developing dedicated platforms for biomedicine, high-value molecules, and bulk biochemicals.

Through enterprise-oriented and market-driven operations, these platforms help accelerate the application of innovative technologies and support the growth of emerging companies.

Case 3: Innovation vouchers

Shanghai has rolled out an "automatically granted" reform for its innovation voucher program, eliminating the need for applications.

Innovation vouchers are electronic coupons funded by municipal financial resources. They help technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises and innovation teams purchase professional services from qualified institutions.

Through an upgraded online platform, voucher quotas are precisely distributed to technology-based SMEs, allowing eligible enterprises to access support without submitting separate applications.