Technological innovation drives Dalian’s high-quality development
Updated: 2026-06-02
The 2026 Summer Davos Forum highlighted Dalian’s strategic focus on scientific and technological innovation as a driving force for high-quality regional development. The city draws on its strong scientific and educational resources, with institutions such as the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics and Dalian University of Technology playing key roles. These institutions have contributed significantly to Dalian’s rising profile as a regional innovation hub. In recent years, the city’s R&D spending has climbed to 28.55 billion yuan ($4.1 billion), with an R&D intensity of 3 percent. The technology contract turnover in 2025 reached 66.03 billion yuan, marking a 10 percent year-on-year increase.
Yinggeshi Science City stands out as a core innovation hub, where pioneering technologies are developed and commercialized. The air-cooled fuel cell stacks developed here have been successfully applied in drones, doubling their endurance compared to traditional lithium-battery models. This innovation is already being used in power line inspections and emergency rescue operations. Dalian has established a comprehensive four-tier innovation system, encompassing national and provincial laboratories, which facilitates the seamless transition from basic research to industrial application.
Dalian is also making significant strides in reforming technology transfer mechanisms and promoting enterprise-driven innovation. Companies like Huafu Lianli Technology Co are harnessing university-developed technologies to advance in sectors such as aerospace and automotive, earning recognition as seed unicorn enterprises. The city's approach to fostering enterprise-led research is also reflected in successful collaborations in shipbuilding and the development of hydrogen engines for heavy-duty vehicles.
These initiatives underscore Dalian's commitment to reinforcing its position as a leader in scientific and technological innovation, driving both regional and national economic growth.