A Powerhouse of Innovation

Xiamen is a promising land of innovation and entrepreneurship. The city's innovation ecosystem is bolstered by a robust array of policy incentives tied to its multiple identities as a Special Economic Zone, a Pilot Free Trade Zone and a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center. By continuously channeling its innovative dynamism into ocean development, Xiamen pioneers the growth of emerging sectors such as marine bioproducts, high-end equipment and advanced materials, as well as marine information and digital industries.

Driven by innovation, the blue economy accounts for 30 percent of the city's GDP. The Port of Xiamen ranks 11^th in the UNCTAD Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index and 14^th worldwide in container throughput, steadily enhancing its standing as an international shipping center. The city is among the front runners in digital and smart port development. Cruise economy, coastal tourism and modern fishing port economy show a synergistic growth momentum.

An Engine of Technological Advancement

Xiamen is a leading city in marine science and technology. Recognized as the birthplace of China's marine science and an Asian-Pacific research hub with global influence, Xiamen integrates its innovation ecosystem deeply into the international networks of marine science cooperation. It brings together nearly 5,000 scientists and has established 30 research and development platforms including the Marine Culture Collection of China. Over 1,000 new patents have been approved since 2020.

The Global Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions (Global-ONCE) Program, initiated by Xiamen University, has stimulated broad international collaboration among 104 research institutions from 35 countries under the framework of the UN Ocean Decade. Xiamen applies advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, to protect marine biodiversity. As the homeport of world-class R/V Tan Kah Kee (Jia Geng) and Xiang Yang Hong 03, Xiamen is capable of conducting deep-sea and offshore scientific investigation, consolidating data and applying the research outcomes.