The local technology bureau issued the 2017 report on technology innovation in Qingdao on Dec. 18.

The report explored the technology innovation situation in the city from four aspects, namely, innovation investment, innovation environment, innovation output, and innovation performance, and compiled an index system to track the development of technology innovation between 2011 and 2016.

According to the report, the innovation index rose 15.9 percent annually from 100 in 2011 to 209 in 2016, while Qingdao advanced quickly in marine science, high speed train, intellectual property and incubation.

A series of research facilities were located in Qingdao over the years, including the Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology and China’s first national high speed train technology innovation center.

The Chengyang EMU town gathered competitive enterprises including CRRC Qingdao Sifang and Bombardier Sifang Transportation, producing 65 percent of operating electric multiple units and 25 percent of urban rail cars in the domestic market.

From 2013 to 2016, more than 30,000 applications for invention patent were submitted, ranking among the bests of sub-provincial cities.

96 national incubators have been located in Qingdao, topping all sub-provincial cities.

All together research and development outlays in the city increased from 16.4 billion yuan in 2011 to 28.6 billion yuan in 2016, up 74.29 percent. The number of high-tech enterprises grew to 1,348, more than tripling the figure in 2011.

In 2016, high-tech enterprises enjoyed tax remission of 2.6 billion yuan, up 160 percent from the amount in 2011.

The number of technology service companies of designated scale grew to 498, achieving added value of 28.2 billion yuan.

The report also pointed to the disadvantageous situations hindering the technology innovation in the city, such as lack of high-caliber talents and the fringe position of emerging sectors.