Binhai New Area Sets the Pace for Regional Development

Innovation and Technology Key to the Future

Innovation is the driving force behind Binhai’s development. Both the 10 reforms and the 10 campaigns demand new ideas and new systems. On the housing issue, for instance, a multi-layer system is established to cater to different groups of people. Restructuring of the healthcare system, as another example, puts community medical centers under the administration of big hospitals.

Technological innovation is undoubtedly the most highlighted feature of Binhai. It has put special efforts into introducing major high-tech projects and encouraging independent industrial innovations at local level. The aim for 2012 is to build 20 national and provincial and ministerial level engineering research centers and technical centers, and 10 R&D headquarters for various enterprises.

Many impressive feats have been achieved. The National Engineering Center of Cell Products has mastered complete technologies on industrial-scale operation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells isolation, culture and storage.

Tianjin Heavy Equipment Engineering Research Center is carrying out 54 research projects at the moment, two of which were listed as key projects in China’s 11th Five-year Plan for Sci & Tech Development.

Tianjin Pipe Corporation’s new engineering mechanics lab is working on the design and development of TP oil casing pipe with special buckle and trial manufacture of anti-corrosion oil casing pipe.

These are only a few of the high-tech companies that have flocked to Binhai and who are engaged mainly in fields, including biomedicine, aerospace, electronic information, new materials, and new energy. Some R&D centers and technological enterprise incubators have established an alliance to tackle major technical problems frustrating particular industries. They have mastered a series of key technologies and creative products that have reshaped Binhai’s industrial contours. The district now seats 1,200 high-tech companies, and the output of its high-tech sectors stands at RMB 500 billion, growing at an average annual rate of 20 percent.

In addition, Binhai New Area is promoting high-end manufacturing and modern services in order to create a modern industrial system, with particular emphasis on emerging industries. These industries include modern logistics, finance, technological trade, cultural innovation, cruise travel, yachting and service outsourcing. Intermediary services like accounting and legal consultation have also been paid due attention, bringing about balanced development of services and industry.

Great importance has also been attached to the long-term development potential of new products and to brand building, as well as upgrading manufacturing with new technologies and equipment. At the end of 2012, the output of strategic emerging industries is expected to exceed RMB 120 billion.

As a new technological and economic development area, Binhai shows enormous enthusiasm and ambition to overtake the cities that pioneered previous economic reforms as well as extraordinary boldness as it leads the country’s high-tech economy.