Heze in Shandong province has unveiled an action plan (2026-28) to strategically set out a framework for artificial intelligence innovation and application based on its industrial foundation and city features.
It aims to position itself as a regional hub for AI innovation and application, thereby injecting intelligent momentum into the city's high-quality economic and social development.
According to the plan, Heze aims to foster three industry-specific large models, create 10 replicable benchmark application scenarios, and establish one or two intelligent computing centers.
This initiative aims to drive related industries to achieve an output value of more than 2 billion yuan ($296 million), integrating AI into various sectors of industry, people's livelihood, and governance.
The plan focuses on four major sectors to transform AI from a technological concept to practical application. In the realm of sci-tech innovation, it promotes embedding large models deeply into research, accelerates industry-academia collaboration, and strives for breakthroughs in high-end chemical engineering, biomedicine, and modern agriculture.
In key industries, AI will deeply empower six sectors — chemical engineering, biomedicine, electromechanical equipment, new energy, new materials, and agriculture — enhancing the entire chain from production scheduling and R&D to safety warnings and quality control.
A notable highlight is the focus on AI applications in the peony industry, which is a major industry in Heze, with the goal being to establish a locally distinctive intelligent application benchmark.
The plan outlines leveraging AI to empower the entire peony industrial chain, including the intelligent analysis of peony components, product innovation, and growth model construction. This will transform the traditional peony industry into a more precise, efficient, and high-end sector while enhancing its economic value and cultural charm.
