Dezhou city in Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to promote innovation-driven development, strengthen talent cultivation, improve the business environment and build a city that is attractive to young talents and entrepreneurs, according to local officials.

An innovation and entrepreneurship industrial park in Dezhou [Photo/Dazhong News]

As the "northern gate" of Shandong, Dezhou is at the superposition of two major national strategies, the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, and the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin, which are expected to bring new opportunities for the city's high-quality development.

Under the guidance of scientific and technological innovation, Dezhou has strengthened its talent cultivation system, comprehensively deepened reform, and provided more opportunities and platforms for young talents to find jobs and grow in the city.

According to the report of the 16th municipal Party congress of Dezhou and this year's municipal government work report, "building a city that is creative, attractive and popular with young people" is a key goal for the city.

The city is accelerating the construction of the Dezhou Talent Innovation Park in Tianqu New District. Nearly 20 scientific research institutions have signed agreements to open branches in the park.

"The project integrates public research and development, talent services, expert apartments, academic exchanges and other functions, and will become another platform to attract young talents," said Jing Weimin, director of Dezhou science and technology bureau.

Focusing on the innovative city indicators, such as industrial technology innovation, high-tech enterprise cultivation, high-level platform construction, and the introduction and cultivation of sci-tech talents, Dezhou has launched a series of policies covering industries, funding, and taxation to fuel innovation-driven development.