Shandong unveils measures to draw young professionals

Shandong province aims to become a hub for young professionals by attracting 1 million talents annually during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), according to a news conference held on Thursday by the Information Office of the Shandong Provincial People's Government.

Gong Wendong, deputy director of the Organization Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, said the province plans to roll out a series of targeted measures to support young talent. These include building micro-ecosystems for youth development in selected counties and districts, launching a youth-preferred residence program, and strengthening services for newcomers.

The province also plans to expand the postdoctoral science fund and establish a database to identify and nurture promising young scientists, Gong added.

Official data shows that Shandong is now home to more than 10,000 postdoctoral researchers, along with 4.85 million high-skilled talents.

The province is prioritizing talent cultivation in artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, and quantum technology. Universities are being encouraged to offer AI-focused interdisciplinary programs and double-degree courses, while AI education will be integrated into general and continuing education systems, said Wang Hao, deputy director of the Shandong Provincial Education Department.

To foster entrepreneurship, Shandong is promoting the development of business incubators, innovation districts, and support centers across cities, according to Zhou Chunyan, deputy director of the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Shandong Province.

The province will also provide initial funding for selected startups founded by postdoctoral researchers and other entrepreneurial talents.

Wang Xudong, deputy director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Finance, noted that fiscal spending on education, technology, and talent during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) rose 31.4 percent from the previous period, accounting for a quarter of the province's total budgetary expenditure. He added that Shandong intends to continue implementing fiscal policies that support strategic emerging industries and future-oriented sectors.