Ordos city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is stepping up efforts to become a national innovation-oriented city by fast-tracking the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and building a top-tier innovation system in western China.

So far, the city has seen rapid growth in its new-type research and development institutions. The number of autonomous region-level and above R&D entities has reached 273, achieving full coverage of key industries.

It has also established one key laboratory at the regional level and 57 enterprise R&D centers. The city has also launched a cashmere industry academy led by academicians and formed a coal-based new materials technology innovation alliance, marking a dynamic, multi-front push in science and technology.

As one of China's key coal energy bases, Ordos is pursuing industrial transformation. According to Bian Dong, director of the Ordos science and technology bureau, the city is piloting breakthroughs in key areas, including hydrogen energy, energy storage and new power systems, and advanced chemicals and materials.

It is also planning initiatives in emerging sectors such as new energy, artificial intelligence, and the low-altitude economy, while promoting demonstrations of new technologies, products, and scenarios.

In 2023, Ordos launched a pilot zone for intelligent connected vehicles. Tao Ding, project manager at Ordos High-Quality Development Investment Co, said the city is accelerating the development of autonomous driving, smart logistics, and related technologies through an all-scenario application matrix.