Hohhot Unveils 20 Measures to Boost Innovation-Driven Growth

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, has taken a significant step towards becoming a leading innovation hub in northern China. On 25 August, the city released its Measures for Advancing Deep Integration of Technological Innovation and Industrial Innovation, alongside an implementation plan. The 20 measures are designed to place economic and social development firmly on an innovation-driven path, accelerating Hohhot's emergence as an important growth pole for high-quality development in the region.

The city's resolve is underpinned by real strengths. The National Dairy Technology Innovation Centre has made groundbreaking strides, shortening dairy-cattle breeding evaluation from four years to just 45 days and cultivating China's first probiotic strain for infants derived from Chinese breast milk. This helps the 'Dairy Capital of China' advance towards becoming a global dairy hub. Additionally, a major scientific facility for aerospace and cross-scale metrology is under construction in Horinger New District. Inner Mongolia University of Technology has launched the region's first new-energy industrial large model, and a domestic enterprise is the sole producer of 4N5 high-purity germanium products, addressing key raw-material bottlenecks in quantum technology and photovoltaics.

Hohhot's commitment is tangible. Municipal fiscal investment in science and technology will double in 2026 and again in 2027. Newly recognized national-level innovation platforms will receive a one-off research grant of RMB 3 million, and each 'Qingcheng Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent' may receive up to RMB 500,000 in research support. By 2030, the city aims to attract an additional 10 academicians and 50 high-level innovation teams. Through a policy approach of 'enjoy benefits without application and receive them directly and swiftly', the city will provide inclusive computing-power, model, and token vouchers to technology-oriented SMEs, lowering barriers to innovation.

Openness is a defining feature of Hohhot. Leveraging the Hohhot Area of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the city is building an international science and technology cooperation base with countries along the Belt and Road. It is also deepening coordination with Beijing's Haidian District through a 'two-hour innovation circle', exploring a pathway where R&D occurs elsewhere but results are transformed and applied in Hohhot. This approach underscores the city's understanding that innovation cannot thrive in isolation.

Hohhot's character, like the Mongolian horse, is resilient and determined. It combines the breadth of the grasslands with the courage to open northwards and explore new frontiers. From the 'Dairy Capital' to China's 'Cloud Valley', the city is transforming into a green innovation hub. Hohhot extends an invitation to the world, offering supportive policies, real-world application scenarios, and a genuine commitment to partnership, with a vast landscape for those who strive and build for the future.