Qingdao ranks 9th in China and 34th in the world in terms of sci-tech innovation strength according to the 2022 edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII) S&T Clusters.

The index was recently released by WIPO, the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation. It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states.

Qingdao boasts competitive global sci-tech innovation strength. [Photo/Qingdao Daily]

This year's ranking is Qingdao's best ever among global "S&T clusters". Since 2019, Qingdao has achieved a "triple jump" in the ranking, jumping 11, 16 and 19 places consecutively, from 80th to 34th in the world.

The GII, co-founded by WIPO, Cornell University and INSEAD, ranks the top-level innovation capabilities of about 130 countries and economies every year. It is regarded as a bellwether of innovation and creation in the global economy and an important reference for countries' economic decision-making, and has attracted worldwide attention.

Entering the "first tier" in such a list is not only a recognition of Qingdao's scientific and technological innovation strength and international influence, but also represents a new positioning of Qingdao in the global scientific and technological innovation track, said local officials.

Qingdao aims to build more national-level labs and innovation centers. [Photo/Qingdao Daily]

In recent years, Qingdao has been ramping up efforts to become an even more international innovative city. Supportive measures and policies have been launched to encourage enterprise innovation and cultivate high-tech enterprises.

Efforts have been made to establish a global talent recruitment network to connect high-end talents at home and abroad. The city is also working to build a number of national-level innovation labs and research centers.

Technicians check a production line at a company in Qingdao. [Photo/Qingdao Daily]