Lixia district of Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, has played a key role in advancing the city's high-quality industrial development strategy.

The software sector continues to thrive, supported by national innovation parks and top enterprises. In the life sciences sector, Lixia has established high-standard facilities and platforms for gene and cell therapy, attracting more than 60 high-quality companies and forming a distinctive industrial ecosystem.

Industrial output has risen steadily, with manufacturing now accounting for over 90 percent of the district's industrial base. Strategic projects like the Lixia Economic Development Zone and the establishment of several innovation hubs have boosted long-term momentum, while green development efforts have reduced energy intensity and enhanced sustainability.

Lixia has also accelerated digital transformation, with 8,000 5G base stations, a new AI computing center, and digital service platforms supporting over 14,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More than 90 percent of industrial enterprises above a designated scale have undergone digital upgrades.

The innovation environment continues to strengthen. In 2024, R&D investment grew by eight percent, and the district now hosts 756 high-tech firms, 89 major research labs recognized at the city level and above, and a growing number of specialized and high-growth companies. A government-guided fund is also helping funnel private capital toward early-stage tech.

As the city approaches a key milestone in its three-year action plan, Lixia remains committed to driving innovation, expanding advanced manufacturing, and setting the pace for Jinan's industrial transformation.

Lixia District aims to build a vibrant hub for the software industry. [Photo/Dazhong News]