In 2023, Liaoning Province witnessed a significant increase in the number of newly registered small and medium-sized scientific and technological enterprises (sci-tech SMEs). A total of 10,341 new enterprises were added, representing a year-on-year growth of 55.6%, bringing the total number to 33,484. Among them, there were 1,031 new “young eagle”, “gazelle”, and “unicorn” enterprises, bringing the cumulative total to 5,339.

The growth of these emerging economic entities can be attributed to the favorable environment. In 2023, Liaoning continued to optimize its innovation ecosystem by establishing a comprehensive incubation chain consisting of “maker spaces, incubators, accelerators, and industrial parks” based on innovative entities such as high-tech zones and university science parks. Through activities like the Liaoning Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the province aimed to create an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing nurturing support for the growth of enterprises.

Liaoning actively supports enterprises taking the lead in provincial-level science and technology projects. Over the past two years, the funds used in projects led by enterprises accounted for over 70% of the total. Significant technological achievements were made in fields such as robotics and energy storage, with a batch of innovative and globally competitive enterprises, like SIASUN Robot & Automation, advancing at an accelerated pace. Meanwhile, Liaoning supports enterprises in assuming a leadership role, spearheading the formation of 400 provincial-level exemplary substantive industry-academia-research alliances, bringing together more than 1,200 backbone enterprises, and over 1,100 universities and research institutions to promote collaborative innovation. This has effectively enhanced the independent innovation capabilities of sci-tech SMEs.

In 2023, the Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province signed strategic cooperation agreements with Liaoning-based institutions such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the China Construction Bank, and the Agricultural Bank of China, as well as five other financial institutions, including the Bank of China, granting loans to a total of 4,715 local scientific and technological enterprises.

Furthermore, it was revealed that this year, the Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province, in collaboration with the departments of finance and taxation, will continue to intensify its support in areas such as technological innovation, transformation of achievements, talent services, and financial supply. Efforts will be made to optimize the sci-tech innovation system, provide scientific and technological services in a targeted manner, and enhance enterprises’ innovative capabilities, injecting innovative vitality into enterprises and supporting high-quality economic growth.