The 2024 Statistical Bulletin on Science and Technology Expenditure in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region reported that Ordos' research and development (R&D) investment hit a record high of 6.49 billion yuan ($910.24 million), up 1.17 billion yuan, or 22 percent year-on-year.

The city ranked second in total R&D spending across the region and contributed 54.4 percent of Inner Mongolia's overall R&D growth – holding the top spot for three consecutive years.

In recent years, Ordos has made technological innovation a top priority, rolling out policies and investments to drive high-quality development.

The city has implemented a "Technology Breakthrough Project", introduced the 30 new science and technology policies, and released the Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of New Quality Productive Forces through Technological Innovation. These efforts have helped Ordos build a first-class innovation ecosystem and earn a place on China's list of the Top 100 Innovative Cities for two years in a row.

To ensure sustained support, Ordos has established a mechanism for steadily increasing fiscal science and technology funding. In 2024, government spending on science and technology reached 2.48 billion yuan, up 21 percent, accounting for 2.2 percent of the city's general public budget and 28.7 percent of the region's total science and technology expenditure – ranking first in both total and incremental growth.

The city has also strengthened its innovation infrastructure by building high-level R&D platforms, including Ordos Research Institute of Energy at Peking University, the Ordos Laboratory, and the China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing) Inner Mongolia Research Institute. The number of R&D institutions at or above the autonomous regional level has now reached 273.

Enterprises have become the backbone of local innovation. The number of national high-tech enterprises and technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises grew from 132 and 111 respectively in 2021 to 330 and 701 – surpassing 1,000 in total.

To further stimulate innovation vitality, the city has distributed 291 million yuan in R&D subsidies and rewards, effectively boosting the momentum and internal drive of various innovation actors.