Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, has taken a decisive step to transform its economy by unveiling a comprehensive set of measures to integrate technological and industrial innovation. On August 25, the city released its “Measures for Advancing Deep Integration of Technological Innovation and Industrial Innovation” along with an implementation plan, marking a significant policy shift aimed at placing economic and social development on an innovation-driven trajectory. The 20 measures are designed to accelerate Hohhot's emergence as a major growth pole for high-quality development in northern China.
The announcement comes at a time when Hohhot is leveraging its unique strengths to build a robust innovation ecosystem. The National Dairy Technology Innovation Centre has already made breakthroughs, reducing dairy-cattle breeding evaluation from four years to just 45 days and developing China's first probiotic strain for infants derived from Chinese breast milk. These advancements bolster Hohhot's reputation as the “Dairy Capital of China” and support its ambition to become a global dairy hub. Additionally, a major scientific facility for aerospace and cross-scale metrology is under construction in Horinger New District, and Inner Mongolia University of Technology has launched the region's first new-energy industrial large model, which is open to the world.
The city's commitment to innovation is backed by significant financial and policy support. Municipal fiscal investment in science and technology will double in 2026 and again in 2027. Newly recognized national-level innovation platforms will receive a one-off research grant of RMB 3 million, and each “Qingcheng Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent” may receive up to RMB 500,000 in research support. By 2030, Hohhot aims to attract an additional 10 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as 50 high-level innovation teams. The city will also provide inclusive computing-power vouchers, model vouchers, and token vouchers to technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, implementing a policy approach of “enjoy benefits without application and receive them directly and swiftly” to lower barriers to innovation.
Openness is a defining feature of Hohhot's strategy. Drawing on the Hohhot Area of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the city is building an international science and technology cooperation base with countries along the Belt and Road. It is also deepening coordination with Beijing's Haidian District through a “two-hour innovation circle,” exploring a model where research and development occur elsewhere while results are transformed and applied in Hohhot. This approach highlights the city's understanding that innovation cannot thrive in isolation.
Hohhot's character is often compared to the Mongolian horse—resilient, diligent, and determined. The city combines the breadth and inclusiveness of the grasslands with a pioneering spirit to open northwards and explore new frontiers. From the “Dairy Capital of China” to China's “Cloud Valley,” and from the pastures of Chilechuan to the computing-power clusters of Horinger, Hohhot is transforming into a city of innovation. With supportive policies, real-world application scenarios, and a genuine commitment to partnership, Hohhot extends an invitation to the world to join hands with those who strive and build for the future.
