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The industry and information technology bureau of Jinan, Shandong province recently published a three-year plan to promote the innovative development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the provincial capital.

The plan suggested that by 2022, Jinan will build more than 100 demonstration projects of AI applications, gather more than 10 provincial- and national-level industrial leaders, set up over 10 AI innovation platforms, and establish more than 10 special AI industrial parks, forming an AI industry worth 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion).

The city's ambition was encouraged by the central government's decision in October 2019 to turn Jinan into the country's second pilot zone for the innovation and application of AI, following Shanghai.

Approved by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the dedicated area has 11 goals, including establishing AI industrial clusters, building an AI Island, compiling a series of AI industrial maps and reports, opening a variety of real-life scenarios, and holding a branded AI summit.

In terms of product innovation, Jinan will focus on intelligent computing equipment, AI robots, and video image recognition systems.

The local government will also support industrial leaders in setting up regional headquarters, innovation centers and incubators in Jinan, as well as encourage local companies to apply AI technology in design, production and management processes.

According to the plan, an increasing amount of subsidies will be provided to promote the research and development of AI technology, attract investment, operate industrial parks, cultivate skilled workers, develop relevant subjects and build supporting infrastructure.