A joint initiative highlighting the integration of technological innovation and science education was launched at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Pudong Science and Technology Festival on May 16.

Developed by seven scientific institutions, the initiative calls for universities, research institutes and scientific enterprises to promote scientific education and literacy in an attempt to increase innovation and push forward the development of science and technology in Pudong New Area. 

The signing ceremony of the initiative is held at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Pudong Science and Technology Festival on May 16. [Photo/china.com.cn]

The initiative will focus on scientific and technological achievements in Pudong as well as promoting science, said an official from the new district, adding that the launch of the initiative marks the first step towards achieving the long-term goal of integrating scientific knowledge and innovation.

As a hub for scientific and technological innovation in Shanghai, Pudong is now home to a number of scientific research institutes and high-tech enterprises, and has amassed a sizable arsenal of important science equipment.

Emerging industries including integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine are gradually taking shape, laying a solid foundation for the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation.

By 2018, Pudong has built three advanced scientific and technological facilities, including Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation – the world's brightest synchrotron radiation light source facility – the National Center for Protein Science, and the Shanghai Supercomputer Center.

Another six major infrastructure projects are under construction.

Over 2,200 high-tech enterprises and 233 foreign-invested research and development centers have set up operations in the district, accounting for 25 percent and 52.8 percent of the city's total, respectively.

People visit the 2019 Pudong Science and Technology Festival in Shanghai on May 16.[Photo/china.com.cn]