According to the "National Innovation City Innovation Capability Evaluation Report 2024," recently released by the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, Taiyuan in North China's Shanxi province rose from 35th place in 2023 to 31st in 2024.

A national innovation city refers to a city with a strong independent innovation capability, prominent technological support and leadership role, high sustainable economic and social development, and significant regional influence.

The 2024 report evaluated 101 cities based on five major dimensions and 30 specific indicators, including innovation governance and original innovation capability.

Taiyuan now has 2,606 technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises and 2,150 high-tech enterprises, more than 50 percent of the provincial total. It is home to seven national-level key laboratories, accounting for 88 percent of the province's total; 136 provincial-level key laboratories, accounting for 79 percent; and 85 provincial-level technological innovation centers, accounting for 64 percent.

Taiyuan is researching core technologies, focusing on special metal materials and new carbon-based materials. To date, 59 patents have been applied for.

The city is accelerating the commercialization and application of scientific and technological achievements by providing service systems, funds, and supply-demand matchmaking events between universities, research institutions, and enterprises.

In 2024, the Taiyuan Science and Technology Market platform's transaction value of technology contracts reached 22.8 billion yuan ($3.13 billion), a 23 percent increase from 2023.