On December 7th, the China Academy of Science and Technology Development Strategy released the "China Regional Science and Technology Innovation Evaluation Report 2022" (hereinafter referred to as the "Report"), which shows that the level of regional science and technology innovation in China has generally improved in the past decade. In 2022, the national comprehensive science and technology innovation level index scored 75.42 points, an increase of 15.14 points from 2012. The comprehensive science and technology innovation level index scores of 31 provinces, regions and municipalities have improved to varying degrees compared to 2012.

The report selects 12 secondary indicators and 43 tertiary indicators from five aspects, including the environment for scientific and technological innovation, investment in scientific and technological activities, output of scientific and technological activities, industrialization of high-tech, and promotion of economic and social development through science and technology. It measures and evaluates the level of scientific and technological innovation in the country and 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government.

According to the Comprehensive Science and Technology Innovation Level Index, the 31 regions in China can be divided into three tiers: innovation regions, medium innovation regions, and innovation catching up regions:

The first tier refers to regions with comprehensive scientific and technological innovation index values higher than the national average. In 2022, it includes Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, which are ranked the same as in 2012. These regions have strong innovation capabilities and are considered innovative areas in China.

The second tier refers to regions where the comprehensive science and technology innovation level index is lower than the national average but higher than 50 points. In 2022, it includes 21 regions such as Chongqing, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Shandong, and Sichuan, an increase of 14 regions compared to 2012. The significant increase in the number of regions with moderate innovation shows that various regions in China have achieved good results in fully implementing the concept of innovative development.

The third echelon is the area whose comprehensive scientific and technological innovation level index is below 50 points. In 2022, it will include Qinghai, Yunnan, Xinjiang and Xizang, 14 areas less than that in 2012. The score of Yunnan's comprehensive scientific and technological innovation level index increased by 12.73 points compared with 2012, Qinghai by 8.41 points, Xinjiang and Xizang by 5.55 points and 5.86 points respectively, and the regional scientific and technological innovation ability has made significant progress.

In addition, the report shows that the status of Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area as science and technology innovation centers has been further strengthened, radiating and driving the innovation capabilities of regions such as Beijing Tianjin Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pan Pearl River Delta to further enhance. The scientific and technological innovation capabilities of the areas along the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin for ecological protection and high-quality development have steadily increased, and the effectiveness of regional collaborative innovation and development has further emerged.