Ordos city designated 2024 as the inaugural year for building a "Talent-Friendly City", launching the Implementation Plan for Talent-Friendly City Development to reform talent development mechanisms and provide a robust platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Through initiatives such as the "Ordos Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, held twice, the city has attracted numerous high-caliber talent and innovative teams to contribute to its high-quality development.

At the Ordos Carbon Neutrality Research Institute, researchers Wang Long, Kong Xianghui, and Li Ruiping are collaboratively tackling energy efficiency challenges. In January 2022, Wang, a 34-year-old overseas returnee, joined the institute alongside Kong and Li, aged 32 and 31, respectively.

Their unanimous choice of Ordos stems from the city's dynamic scientific and technological innovation environment. Ordos has significantly enhanced its talent attraction capabilities in recent years by establishing high-level innovation platforms, creating a fertile ground for growth.

In 2024, Ordos reported a 238.8 percent year-on-year increase in the added value of high-tech manufacturing industries above the designated size from January to November, contributing 1.9 percentage points to overall industrial growth.

The city also added one technologically advanced "Little Giant" enterprise, 22 technologically advanced enterprise small and medium-sized enterprises, and 96 innovation-driven SMEs. Additionally, over 90 new high-tech enterprises were established.

Ordos boasts 35 national-level talent and innovation platforms and over 400 region-level platforms. The city has achieved 1,609 valid invention patents and houses more than 330 high-tech enterprises and 702 technology-based SMEs.

To attract talent and create a "heartwarming" atmosphere, Ordos has implemented detailed policies that enhance professionals' sense of belonging through salary packages, housing subsidies, and comprehensive living services.

This year, Ordos allocated 9 million yuan ($1.24 million) to 37 high-level talent teams, 96.65 million yuan in grants to 2,128 individuals and 28 organizations, and over 37 million yuan for talent allowances, housing subsidies, and relocation expenses.

The city also launched expert care initiatives, offering premium medical resources and health services to 379 high-level professionals during their management terms.