Growth strategy powered by innovation

As for domestic investment during the period, investors from 17 provinces and municipalities poured 13.29 billion yuan into major projects. They contributed 70.7 percent to the district's target investment value in 2019.

Behind these bustling industries is a business-friendly environment and sound industrial structure.

As a forerunner in the internet of things industry, the district made marked progress in integrating IoT technology with traditional sectors, advancing their transformation and upgrades.

At the same time, revolving around the IoT sector, authorities optimized the district's industrial structure and have been developing emerging industries. These include new-generation information technology; advanced machinery and equipment manufacturing; renewable energy and new energy vehicles; life sciences; artificial intelligence and modern services.

High-level human resources are key to the district's sustainable growth. During that six-month period, nearly 260 experts and specialists were brought in to the district. Also, more than 460 high-tech companies were added to the local business circle, a rise of 53 percent year-on-year.

The addition helped the high-tech sector generate 140 billion yuan in output value in the first six months. It accounted for 66.6 percent of the district's total.

Spending on research and development accounted for 3.8 percent of the district's GDP during the period, up 0.36 percentage points year-on-year.

"We will continue our industry-powered, innovation-driven growth strategy to advance reform and opening-up, accelerate regional integrated development and make a greater contribution to the city's high-quality development," said Wang Jinjian, vice-mayor of Wuxi and Party secretary of Xinwu district.