The Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Shandong Provincial Government and the Jinan municipal government signed an agreement on Oct 29 in Beijing to build a science innovation center in Jinan, capital of Shandong.

Scientific and technological innovation is a strong driving force and an important support for high-quality development, said Liu Jiayi, Party secretary of Shandong, adding that the province has been promoting an innovation-driven development strategy, furthering reform and innovation in science and education, and building itself into a technological powerhouse.

"The Jinan science innovation center will certainly boost Shandong's innovation capability and contribute to local economic quality growth," said Liu.

He said that Shandong will optimize its system of innovation, increase support in terms of policies, talents and funds, improve the innovative capability of companies and unleash the full potential of its talent, so as to build a better platform and create a favorable environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the Jinan science innovation center will be built into a world-renowned and first-class innovation platform in China so as to better serve local economic and social development.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Shandong Provincial Government and the Jinan municipal government sign an agreement on Oct 29 in Beijing to build a science innovation center in Jinan, capital of Shandong. [Photo/dzrb.dzng.com]

Liu Jiayi, Party secretary of Shandong, delivers a speech. [Photo/dzrb.dzng.com]

Officials from Jinan and Shandong attend the signing ceremony and hold a meeting with representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. [Photo/dzrb.dzng.com]