Hefei, a manufacturing powerhouse in east China's Anhui Province, is pioneering a new model for technological innovation by transforming its entire urban landscape into a "super application field", where cutting-edge technologies and products can move rapidly from laboratories into real-world use.
The city has emerged as a hub for sci-tech innovation in recent years, stepping up research and development and boldly pursuing scientific breakthroughs as China pushes ahead with its wider high-quality development goals.
Hefei has even established a special 'scenario innovation' center which is dedicated to bridging the gap between research institutions and end-users.
We help startup enterprises realize the first trial and application of their innovative technologies and products, so as to help them get their first orders, which could lead to their initial business success and form a business model that can be replicated by others," said Zhang Bi, deputy general manager of the Hefei Scenario Application Innovation Promotion Center.
Meanwhile, in order to overcome some of the traditional matchmaking challenges between technology providers and potential adopters, Hefei has developed an integrated online-offline ecosystem which seeks to foster cooperation between developers and enterprises.
The city has launched the "scenario window" intelligent service platform, which maintains two dynamic lists, with one detailing the available scenario opportunities, and another showcasing its technological capabilities.
Complementing this digital platform, Hefei hosts at least one matchmaking event every week, creating regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration between potential partners and accelerating the scaled adoption of emerging solutions.
The approach is already yielding visible outcomes, with integrated application scenarios, including unmanned systems, quantum-secured urban networks, and vehicle-to-grid interaction platforms, all being successfully deployed across the city.
"Once these real-world application scenarios are in place, they can accelerate the spiral iteration of new technologies and products, while also ensuring that their development remains closely aligned with true market demands," said Gao Zhengrong, an official at the Hefei Municipal Development and Reform Commission.
One compelling success story involves a local enterprise specializing in eco-friendly new materials. The company developed resin-based wood plastic composite, a durable, water-, fire-, and rot-resistant material made from recycled resin powder extracted from discarded electronic circuit boards.
Despite the material's clear advantages, company manager Li Hongdao said the firm initially struggled to find practical applications for its products.
"Getting that first opportunity for real-world testing is a huge challenge for us when it comes to translating research achievements into practical applications. Initially, we focused solely on research and product development. I assumed that once the product was ready, there would be rigid demand, and the market would follow. But in reality, it doesn't work that way," said Li.
However, Hefei's scenario innovation task force stepped in to help find potential suitors, and in a little over a week, the right connections were made that set the company on a pathway to success.
"Within just 10 days, the relevant departments connected us with seven parks. They gave us that crucial 'foot in the door', opening up real-world application scenarios for us. These testing environments became accessible to us. Secondly, the scope of our product's applications has expanded from urban parks to wetlands, and further into the building of beautiful villages," said Li.
Now, the material can be found in walkways, railings, benches, and even trash bins across multiple green spaces in Hefei, including the Nanyan Lake Park, the Luogang Park, the Feicui Lake Park, and the Binhu Forest Park.
These developments have further solidified Hefei's standing as a pacesetter in integrating technological innovation with the ongoing green transformation.
By leveraging cutting-edge research, efficient tech transfer, and collaborative ecosystems, the city has carved a distinctive path that accelerates scientific breakthroughs while prioritizing sustainability, and is giving its pioneering firms the chance to flourish.
China's Hefei turns innovative solutions into real world scenarios through "super application field"
