East China's Shandong province will continue to uphold the importance of innovation in its modernization drive, according to local officials.

Over the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), scientific and technological personnel in Shandong have played a vital role in the province's efforts to transform old growth drivers into new ones, rural revitalization, the development of a modern marine economy, and more.

The 22nd annual meeting of the China Association of Science and Technology was held in the province's coastal city of Qingdao in August 2020, and has served as an important communication and exchange platform for scientific and technological communities.

The annual meeting of the China Association of Science and Technology kicks off in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Aug 14, 2020. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The province is also promoting the integration of science and technology with the economy to stimulate more innovation and creativity, and Qingdao, Tai'an, and Jinan have been selected to become "science and technology cities".

The province has invited academicians, experts, and top think tanks to come up with solutions for economic development, industrial upgrading, the resumption of work and production, and company technological upgrading in Shandong.

It has also hosted a series of activities and competitions to promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation in a bid to create a dynamic and innovative economy.

In addition, the province will launch measures to invigorate local economic and social development through science and education and a high-quality workforce, said local officials.