Top tech zone continues forging new programs

It was the first State-level high-tech zone in China and is still at the very top in the nation, but Haidian Science Park is not resting on its laurels.

It has a new plan in place to further consolidate its leading position.

The park in Beijing's Haidian district is now the core of the Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone, the nation's largest high-tech zone that includes 16 sites in all the districts and counties of the city.

It is now home to the largest number of high-tech companies in Beijing.

In recent years, local authorities have highlighted the development of emerging industries for a sustained and diversified growth.

In 2013, the administration committee of the park announced a three-year plan for six strategic emerging industries including the new-generation Internet industry, space technology, cloud computing, new materials, new energy and environmental protection.

Local authorities are also making efforts to help the park become the country's pilot in blending technology and cultural creativity industries.

In 2013, the administration committee invested 48.6 million yuan to support 66 programs in new media, Internet applications, digital design, digital publications and animation games.

Operations in the park have a combined 1.24 trillion yuan in revenue last year, an increase of 17.5 percent from 2012, and 41.7 percent of the total in the Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone.

The park's administration committee said this year's task is to promote the development of the emerging industries by building special industrial parks.

The 75-square-kilometer Zhongguancun Science Town is already under construction.

Another three parks - for international aerospace technology, creativity and smart traffic technology - will be operational this year.

Authorities project that Haidian Science Park will generate 1.4 trillion yuan in revenue this year, up 15 percent from 2013.

xuxiao@chinadaily.com.cn