As its sixth anniversary approaches, the Lin-gang Special Area in Shanghai celebrates the milestone with a remarkable "birthday gift": the signing of agreements for six major industrial projects, totaling over 40 billion yuan ($5.57 billion) in investment. These projects, spanning integrated circuits (ICs), high-end equipment, and other cutting-edge sectors, underscore the area's rapid industrial growth.

Since its inception in 2019, Lin-gang has introduced over 679 key projects in frontier technology industries, attracting over 730 billion yuan in investment. The average annual growth rate of its industrial output above designated size has reached 28.4 percent, with advanced sectors like IC, civil aviation, biopharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence experiencing an even higher average annual growth rate of 38.3 percent.

The Large Aircraft Industrial Park in Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai. [Photo/lingang.gov.cn]

Lin-gang's industrial ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past six years. What was once a stretch of coastal mudflats has transformed into a thriving hub of innovation and industry. The area now boasts a mature and highly integrated industrial chain, particularly in the IC sector, which has seen an average annual growth rate exceeding 50 percent over the past six years. This sector has become Lin-gang's largest investment area, with the highest industrial concentration and fastest value growth.

A national AI laboratory in Lin-gang. [Photo/lingang.gov.cn]

Focusing on building a strong industrial ecosystem and fostering clustered industrial chains is a key factor in Lin-gang's success. The area has attracted leading companies by emphasizing strategic agility and the creation of a supportive business environment. For instance, Beijing-based Northern China Semiconductor, a leader in the IC supply chain, decided to establish a presence in Lin-gang after recognizing the area's potential to enhance its business operations and provide access to a concentrated customer base.

The Innovation Cube Towers in Lin-gang are home to top research institutions, innovation platforms and public service platforms around the world. [Photo/lingang.gov.cn]

To further strengthen its industrial clusters, Lin-gang has launched initiatives to empower "chain leaders" — key enterprises that can drive innovation and collaboration along the supply chain. These companies receive targeted support to encourage them to lead integrated innovation efforts, enhancing the overall competitiveness of the industrial clusters.

Lin-gang is also committed to addressing the technological verification and commercialization challenges faced by domestic high-end equipment manufacturers. By introducing pilot testing platforms, which act as a bridge between research laboratories and mature markets, Lin-gang aims to facilitate the seamless integration of innovation and production chains.

Moreover, the area is optimizing its business environment to better support enterprises. A recent "complaint session" allowed businesses to voice their concerns and suggest improvements, leading to policy adjustments that better meet industry needs. For example, feedback from Shanghai Shining IC Electronics Co Ltd prompted a revision in subsidy policies for chip testing, expanding support to include more mature process technologies.

The remarkable industrial growth that Lin-gang Special Area has achieved over the past six years is a testament to its strategic vision, robust industrial ecosystem, and commitment to continuous improvement.