Independent Innovation Demonstration Zones

The pilot National Innovation Demonstration Zone program was established by the central government to promote independent innovation capability, strengthen industrial competitiveness and enhance the role of high-tech parks in guiding regional development. The demonstration zones are given favorable policies, then required to lead the way in areas such as technology transfer, share option incentive schemes and technology finance.

Zhongguancun Science Park became the first National Innovation Demonstration Zone in China when it was established in 2012. At the end of 2014, the government unveiled a series measures to promote more demonstration zones. It will roll out six Zhongguancun-style policies to the rest of country, including new rules on research funds and equity financing for small enterprises.

Today there are seven such demonstration zones across the country - Zhongguancun Science Park, Shanghai Zhang Jiang High-tech Park, Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, Shenzhen Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, Nanjin Binhai Hi-tech Industrial Development Area, Chang-Zhu-Tan Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone and Sunan Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone.

China Daily

(China Daily 03/12/2015 page24)