Zibo is actively fostering sci-tech innovation among local companies to develop new quality productive forces and boost high-quality development.

Official data show that in 2023 the city's R&D accounted for 2.94 percent of its GDP and the output of high-tech industries contributed to 50.76 percent of the total industrial output value of industries above designated scale.

Zhiyang Innovation, a high-tech company in Zibo National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, has pioneered the application of AI technology in power transmission.

Its smart visual inspection devices can effectively prevent fires and enhance safety. The intelligent identification algorithm model for identifying hidden dangers has been widely used in over 100 companies nationwide.

Sci-tech innovation is the key to driving the company's growth, according to Chen Xiaojuan, director of the company.

The company has released a range of incentive measures, including employee shareholding, to foster innovation capacity among its research staff. The R&D personnel has currently occupied over 40 percent of the company's workforce.

In 2023, Zhiyang Innovation achieved an operating income of 798 million yuan ($110.25 million), an 18.9-percent year-on-year increase.

A model of a smart visual inspection device developed by Zhiyang Innovation on a high-tension cable tower. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]