Innovation serves as the primary driving force behind the development of Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area. [Photo/WeChat account: ytkfqfb]

Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area (YEDA), one of China's first 14 national development zones, has emphasized the pivotal role of enterprise innovation since its establishment. By continuously constructing various scientific and technological innovation platforms, attracting and gathering high-level talents, establishing a sound intellectual property system, it has embarked on a path of innovation-driven development.

Leading enterprise Wanhua Chemical Group in the area has filled a domestic industry gap by independently developing manufacturing technology for a special chemical material known as MDI.

High-tech enterprises in YEDA have maintained over 35 percent rapid growth for five consecutive years, firmly holding the top spot in Yantai.

To boost industrial innovation, YEDA has established multi-level scientific and technological innovation platforms, including government-led laboratories, university-enterprise cooperation platforms, and self-built enterprise platforms, which play a significant role in empowering industrial transformation and upgrading and stimulating innovation.

The area also excels in a crucial indicator of regional innovation vitality - intellectual property. To date, the entire zone holds 6,944 effective invention patents, with 144.03 effective invention patents per ten thousand people.

The area is actively promoting the transformation and application of intellectual property, facilitating over 170 key technology and innovative technology transfer and transformation projects in industries such as high-end equipment manufacturing, chemical new materials, and food.

In the 40 years since its establishment, the total production value of YEDA has surged from less than 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) to over 220 billion yuan, propelling it into the ranks of China's top development zones. YEDA is exhibited exhibit even stronger innovative capabilities in the future.