Shanxi province has implemented an innovation-driven development strategy during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), steadily enhancing its comprehensive strength in scientific and technological innovation. Numerous original technologies from Shanxi are being transformed into tangible industries, with core technologies rapidly forming new quality productive forces.

The number of national innovation platforms in Shanxi has increased from seven at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20) to 15. Six key national laboratories have been reorganized, covering areas such as intelligent mining, advanced stainless steel, low-carbon coal utilization, and quantum technology.

In 2024, R&D expenditures for enterprises, research institutions, and higher education institutions in the province reached 25.73 billion yuan ($3.65 billion), 3.27 billion yuan, and 2.13 billion yuan, respectively. Enterprise R&D spending grew by 3.3 percent year-on-year, accounting for 82.5 percent of the total, maintaining its dominant position. Provincial industrial enterprises have seen an average annual R&D investment increase of over 20 percent for three consecutive years, reflecting sustained innovation efforts.

Shanxi has also advanced key laboratory projects in organic dryland agriculture, soil fertility enhancement, and grain germplasm innovation, participating in national R&D plans. The province focuses on breakthroughs in key technologies for wheat, corn, grains, and livestock breeding. To date, over 100 new varieties have passed national examinations, with more than 1,000 approved at the provincial level.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Shanxi will focus on energy transition, industrial upgrading, and diversified development, accelerating the integration of technological and industrial innovation to continually shape new development advantages.