QINGDAO is striving to become China’s “Blue Silicon Valley” with an influx of world-class ocean technology research centers and ocean technology business incubators.

The city plans to increase technological innovation in areas such as ocean biology, ocean resources and new materials, ocean recycling resources, environmental protection, ocean equipment and deep-sea exploration equipment. The city will promote national laboratories in ocean science and technology, and deep-sea exploration and development.

Several industrial parks and research centers in related fields also will be built soon, according to the city’s commission of reform and development.

Also, the city is establishing a special fund to attract projects and venture investment organizations. There are now about 200 venture investment organizations in Qingdao, 180 more than 2010. More than 600 companies in the “Blue Silicon Valley” have been created by young researchers, engineers and university graduates.

A new international airport, port and database center also will be built to promote the city’s development in “blue,” or ocean-related, industries.

 (Wang Yuanyuan, Lin Gang)