Editor's note: In order to help the international community and foreign institutions as well as foreigners in Beijing better understand the city, and facilitate the functions of the international exchange center and Beijing's high-quality development, the Translation Center of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality has partnered with the China Academy for Public Policy Translation of Beijing International Studies University to launch "Keywords of Beijing". This initiative selects and translates 38 annual policy hot words from the Report on the Work of the Government into formal English translations.
1、 四个中心
Four centers
即全国政治中心、文化中心、国际交往中心、科技创新中心，是中央明确的首都城市战略定位。
They refer to Beijing's strategic position as the national political center, cultural center, center for international exchanges and center for technological innovation, as defined by China's central authorities.
2、“赛马”
The "horse race" management system
是指针对战略意义重大但研发风险高，或时限要求紧迫的重大攻关任务，面向不同技术路线同时支持多支研发团队平行攻关，之后分阶段开展节点考核，根据节点绩效动态调整任务目标，确保有研发团队能最终“冲线”的新型科研项目管理制度。该制度的本质是通过竞争促使有实力的创新主体脱颖而出。
This is an innovative approach to managing high-risk research tasks with significant strategic importance or tight deadlines. It involves supporting multiple R&D teams to work in parallel and adopt different technical approaches to tackle the same problem. Teams are evaluated at various stages, and the project objectives are adjusted based on their performance, to ensure that at least one team can ultimately "cross the finish line", that is, to succeed in completing the project. The essence of this management system is to pick winners through competition and enable the stronger teams to stand out.
3 、独角兽
Unicorn companies
即成立时间不超过10年、估值超过10亿美元的未上市创业公司。独角兽企业主要在高科技领域，被视为新经济发展的一个重要风向标。胡润研究院发布的《2022年中全球独角兽榜》显示，北京共有90家独角兽企业，位列全球城市第三。
They refer to privately-held start-ups that have been established for less than 10 years and are valued at over one billion US dollars. These companies primarily operate in the high-tech industry, and are considered a significant indicator of the development of the new economy. According to the Global Unicorn Index 2022 Half-Year Report by the Hurun Research Institute, Beijing is home to 90 unicorns, ranking third worldwide.
4、服务包
Service packages
是北京市优化营商环境、服务企业发展的一项工作制度。围绕企业定位、发展愿景和规划落地，提供普惠性政策集成，解决信息不对称问题；并针对企业发展中需要协调帮助的困难，依法依规量身定制解决方案。
These are services provided by Beijing to improve the city's business environment and serve the needs of businesses. The packages include a combination of preferential policies that are tailored to the positioning, visions and future development plans of businesses. The goal is to address information asymmetry and provide, within the framework of laws and regulations, solutions to the challenges faced by businesses where coordination and assistance by the government is needed.
5、包干制
The lump-sum project-funding system
是指项目经费使用包干制，不再编制项目预算，实行负面清单管理，试点单位和项目负责人根据实际需要自主决定、统筹使用与科研项目相关的支出。该制度旨在赋予科研单位和创新团队更大的人财物支配权及技术路线决策权，切实减轻科研人员负担，提升财政资金使用效果。
This is a pilot scheme that provides institutions and project leaders with greater flexibility and discretion in the utilization of funds for research projects. Unlike traditional project budgeting, this lump-sum funding system doesn't require itemized budget allocations. Instead, the funds are managed based on a negative list that specifies non-claimable expenses. This aims to empower research institutions and innovation teams with more decision-making autonomy over personnel, funds, properties and technical routes, thereby relieving them of administrative chores and optimizing the use of budgetary funds.
6、三品一标
Three certificates plus one registration
即绿色、有机、地理标志和承诺达标合格证农产品。开展农产品“三品一标”行动旨在提高农产品质量品质，全产业链拓展增值增效空间。
This is a combination of certifications for agricultural produce, including green and organic product certificates, a certificate of conformity attesting to the producers' commitment to complying with relevant market standards, plus the registration for geographical indications. The initiative to promote agricultural products with these certifications aims to enhance the quality of agricultural products and expand added-value creation with greater efficiency across industrial chains.
7、两谷一园
Two valleys and one park
即生命谷、能源谷和沙河高教园，是未来科学城的创新战略布局。按照未来科学城规划明确的功能定位，生命科学园定位为具有全球领先水平的生命谷，科学城东区定位为具有国际影响力的能源谷，沙河高教园定位为科教及产业融合新城。
These are three key components in the strategic planning of Beijing Future Science City, including a life science valley, an energy valley and the Shahe Higher Education Park. The life science valley, underpinned by the Zhongguancun Life Science Park, is positioned to become a world-leading hub for life sciences. The energy valley at the eastern section of the Future Science City is on its way to become an international pacesetter in the energy industry. The Shahe Higher Education Park is a new complex for education, research and industrial development.