In hospitals, positron emission tomography — computer tomography, better known as PET-CT, is the most advanced and precise medical imaging instrument. As “miraculous” a machine that PET-CT is, and despite all the lives it can save, it has strict requirements for high voltage power supply.
Dongwen High Voltage Power Supply (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., the only producer in China of the special power supply required by PET-CT, lives up to its reputation — “the growing giant of technology.” “Thanks to the Hexi District Science and Technology Committee, we can develop step by step from technological upgrades, filing for patents to stock market financing,” said a company manager. “We benefit directly from local government's determination of building the district into an innovation-driven pilot zone.”
At first, we could only earn just over 100,000 yuan a year, and we were planning to move out of the Hexi District. But after Li Yunxia knew this, the section chief of the Science and Technology Committee, she contacted us and invited some experts to assist us in finding innovation breakthroughs, solving technological problems, upgrading our research and development levels and filing for projects.” The company manager recalls the struggles when setting up. “We feel lucky that we didn’t move out. With the help of the committee in those years, we have filed for over 100 patents and obtained nearly 30 authorized patents and more than 40 utility model patents. We remain a flagship company for patent application and authorization in the city and in 2010 and 2014 we were granted national- and city-level S&T (science and technology) SME innovation funds, totaling 1.5 million yuan.”
Dongwen High Voltage grew from a small workshop to a joint-stock company which pays taxes and profits of around 3 million yuan and dozens of patents. The impressive achievements can partly be attributed to the efforts of the district committee and district government. A strong believer of the notion that innovation can help create a better future, Hexi District always prioritizes innovation and spares no effort in supporting S&T SMEs. This is because the district committee and government understand the fundamental importance of innovation in building a successful pilot zone.
The makers are the main players in this round of “mass innovation” period. One of the most prominent players is Tianjin Zhizaoxing Education Science and Technology Co. Ltd., whose founder is Liu Yi, a passionate inventor. Before moving to the Northern Maker Experience Center, Liu Yi failed twice in starting his own business. But he “didn't want to give up.” So when he heard about the center in Hexi, specially established for inventors, he came to the center more in hope than expectation. He was not sure if he can get help since he “had failed again and again.” Yet, it turned out that the center, after knowing about his plans, not only provided him with office rooms and experimental facilities, but also helped him organize the team, register the trademark, contact sponsors and tap into the market.
Since joining the center, Zhizaoxing — Liu's team — grew from a lonely battle of Liu himself to a small team that has successfully applied for many patents and turned a profit within only five months. In the China Maker Competition organized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Zhizaoxing came third, winning recognition for its new three-wheeled electric vehicle and wooden interlocking components. Liu said, “To be honest, I could have never imagined we could go this far if it weren't for the Northern Maker Experience Center.”
Establishing the Northern Maker Experience Center epitomizes Hexi District's dedication in building an innovation-driven pilot zone and many S&T companies like Zhizaoxing are thriving. Hexi District has incorporated innovation into its development themes. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the special fund that the district government used to support S&T SMEs amounted to 650 million yuan. For every 10,000 people, there are 7.23 patents for invention. There are 2,781 S&T SMEs in total, among which there are 42 hi-tech enterprises and 13 hi-tech business incubators, covering an area of 145,000 square meters.
During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, Hexi District, aiming at playing a leading role in economic and social development, has decided to go for an inclusive development strategy that involves the government, companies, universities, research, capital, and intermediary organizations.
On the one hand, Hexi District will accelerate the establishment of the Chentang Innovation Demonstration Area and Hi-tech Industry Core Zone, develop into a city of industrial design in north China, and provide a platform for technological innovation. The district will carry out programs that upgrade the “growing giants” of technology and support companies in going public. Through multiple measures, enterprises could play a bigger role in technological innovation, and therefore better facilitate innovation. The district will foster a group of leading enterprises, and will expand the scale and upgrade the level of some smaller enterprises, to help strengthen the capacity of growing companies and activate the innovation-driven development of the whole district.
On the other hand, Hexi District is proactive in cooperating with universities that have strong scientific research departments, such as Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NUST). The district provided 130 million yuan to the NUST to build the Northern Research Institute, and introduced cutting-edge technology, such as a high power laser device and metal powder 3D printing, which is currently the most advanced technology of its kind developed in the country. The district not only introduced these technologies, but also works to further develop them. For teams and individuals that possess the core technology, the district provides them with substantial support, including helping them to establish project research centers, contract projects, establish industrial design centers and laboratories. Teams and individuals that are approved by city-level authorities will be granted subsidies of 1 million to 2 million yuan, and those approved by ministries and commissions will be granted subsidies of up to 4 million yuan. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the district will provide 200 million yuan every year to upgrade the “small S&T giants.”
Government financial support is important. Nonetheless, the power of private capital can never be underestimated. The district not only increased government support, but also signed agreements with China Minying Investment Co. Ltd. and the Northern Research Institute of NUST. Minyin Investment provides an initial investment of 2 billion yuan for the Northern Research Institute in R&D with concerted efforts made to establish an intelligent science and technology park.
In addition, encouraging enterprises to go public and making good use of the capital market are essential to the future development of the companies. In Hexi District, over 10 S&T enterprises, including Dongwen High Voltage, have been listed on the stock market. The district has launched a Hexi District Enterprises Public Listing Program, published Hexi District's Opinion on Accelerating Enterprises Public Financing, and rewarded listed enterprises with 500,000 to 5 million yuan. These measures have encouraged a group of growing small- and medium-sized innovation enterprises to become listed on the stock market.
In conclusion, advanced technology, favorable policies, and timely financial support all enhance greater industrial development. The Hexi District emphasizes both R&D and creates research bases for local companies. It is building a system that incorporates innovation and scale-up production, which will lead the whole nation’s intelligent manufacturing.
During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the Hexi District will ensure that the budget for R&D accounts for around 3.5 percent in local GDP with platforms for innovation occupying an area of 300,000 square meters. Total output from growing S&T enterprises is expected to reach 1 billion. The district will work hard to form large-scale industry groups and become a center for scientific and technologically innovation in China.
