A worker assembles vehicles in a factory in Weifang, Shandong province, Jan 28, 2023. [Photo/CFP] 

Shandong province plans to speed up efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology this year, local authorities said at a recent work conference.

In 2023, the province plans to increase investment in research and development by more than 10 percent, and the number of high-tech enterprises is set to surpass 30,000. The output value of high-tech enterprises above designated size is expected to account for 49 percent of all industrial enterprises above designated size.

In 2022, the province organized and implemented 121 major scientific and technological innovation projects, and made breakthroughs in a number of key core technologies. More than 6,000 new high-tech enterprises were established and four enterprises were listed on the science and technology innovation board, bringing the total number to 21. Five Shandong cities, Zibo, Weihai, Rizhao, Linyi and Dezhou, were selected as national innovative cities.

This year, Shandong aims to focus on developing strategic scientific and technological advancements and create a solid foundation for innovation by reinforcing the principal role of enterprises to innovate, give full play to the guiding and supporting roles of key high-tech enterprises, create an enabling environment for the growth of micro, small, and medium technology enterprises, and promote the deeper integration of the innovation, industrial, capital, and talent chains, according to local officials.