In 2024, Beijing continues to shine as the world's premier science city, securing the top spot in the latest Nature Index global science city rankings released on Thursday. This achievement underscores China's relentless growth in research output and its expanding influence in the global scientific community.
Trailing closely behind Beijing is Shanghai, which has impressively surpassed New York in the Nature Index. This shift highlights the rapid advancements and increasing research contributions emerging from China's major urban centers.
A landmark revelation from the Nature Index data reveals that half of the top 20 science cities this year hail from China. Provincial capitals, once relatively obscure in Western discourse, are now emerging as formidable competitors alongside long-established scientific hubs in Europe and North America.
Simon Baker, chief editor of Nature Index, attributes this surge to a confluence of scientific advancement, strategic economic policies, and political initiatives. "The rise of these cities as leading research centers is a testament to China's commitment to fostering innovation and expanding its knowledge economy," Baker commented.
China's focus on key technological sectors, such as electric vehicles and solar energy, is driving this growth. Many of these burgeoning cities are specializing in these areas, aligning their local objectives with national strategies like "Made in China 2025." This policy aims to transition the country towards knowledge-driven, high-tech industries, enhancing economic self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.
Reference(s):
Beijing leads, provincial capitals rise in global science cities index
cgtn.com
