China's Global Innovation Index rises to 10th in 2025
China's global innovation index rose to 10th place in 2025 from 14th in 2020, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) published on June 2, 2026. The report, authored by an NBS chief statistician, summarizes China's innovation achievements during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). The country now hosts 24 global top 100 innovation clusters, ranking first worldwide for three consecutive years.
R&D investment scaled new heights, though exact figures are not provided. The report highlights breakthroughs in science and technology: the world's first operational ultra-large and ultra-high-precision neutrino observatory (Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory), the EAST tokamak setting a new plasma operation record, and the FAST telescope discovering over 1,000 pulsars, far exceeding global totals. In quantum computing, the "Zu Chongzhi No.3" superconducting quantum computer again broke the world record for quantum supremacy, and the "Jinan-1" low-orbit quantum key distribution micro-nano satellite launched successfully. China owns 60% of global AI patents, and multiple large language models reached international advanced levels.
Key core technology breakthroughs include domestic 300mm silicon wafers entering advanced process supply chains, the first personal computer with HarmonyOS, and domestic ECMO devices achieving clinical application. Major equipment milestones: the Tiangong space station completed, C919 entering commercial operations, CR450 trains hitting 453 km/h, the first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier "Fujian" commissioned, and the first fourth-generation nuclear reactor in commercial operation.
Innovation-driven enterprise cultivation bore fruit. In 2025, 1.134 million new enterprises in emerging and future industries were established, accounting for 11.9% of all new firms. By end-2025, China had over 600,000 technology and innovation SMEs, 504,000 hi-tech enterprises, 140,000 specialized "little giant" firms, and 1,800 manufacturing champions. Traditional industries accelerated digital transformation: 89.6% of industrial enterprises underwent digitalization, and equipment investment rose 11.8% year-on-year.
High-tech manufacturing output grew 9.2% annually from 2021 to 2025, now accounting for 17.1% of industrial output. 3D printing output grew 30.9% per year, industrial robots 28.8%, and service robots 26.6%. The digital economy's share of GDP reached 33.1% in 2024, with core digital industries accounting for 10.5%. China built 4.84 million 5G base stations by end-2025, and the "lighthouse factory" count reached 101, the most globally.
Labor productivity (at 2020 prices) rose from 138,000 yuan per person in 2020 to 184,000 yuan in 2025, an average annual gain of 6.0%. New energy vehicle production and sales both exceeded 16 million units in 2025, ranking first for 11 consecutive years; charging facilities reached 20.09 million, 12 times the 2020 level. Agriculture technology contribution exceeded 64%, crop mechanization reached 76.7%, and drone ownership topped the world.
Social impacts: remote medical services cover all counties, over 1.2 billion people have activated healthcare codes, and 560 million cross-province medical settlements were made. Rural toilets improved to 77% penetration, 5G coverage reached 95% of administrative villages. The report concludes by noting remaining challenges in basic research and core technology and calls for continued innovation-driven development.
Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China. Original: https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/sjjd/202606/t20260602_1963863.html