At the opening ceremony of the 2026 ZGC Forum on March 25, relevant national ministries, commissions, and central government entities jointly released 40 support policies for the Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region) International Center for Science and Technology Innovation.

China has introduced a package of support policies aimed at strengthening the strategic layout of scientific and technological capabilities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with a focus on innovation, talent development, and regulatory reform. Under the new measures, universities and research institutes affiliated with central government departments will be allowed to access local science and technology policies, provided they comply with national regulations. Authorities will also explore the establishment of a Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Joint Fund under the National Natural Science Foundation of China to support high-level research and development institutions and enterprise-led innovation platforms. Efforts will also be made to build high-quality university technology transfer and commercialization centers, while new R&D institutions will be encouraged to take on major national scientific and technological tasks.

The policies also propose creating an AI industry sandbox regulatory system and improving risk monitoring and early warning mechanisms. For innovative drugs, clinically urgent medicines, and multivalent or combination vaccines that have special requirements for production processes, facilities, and equipment, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region will be supported in exploring phased production models. High-level hospitals will also be supported in conducting clinical research on emerging technologies and therapies. Qualified top-tier hospitals will also be permitted to carry out stem cell and somatic cell research, and register with the relevant departments of the State Council in accordance with regulations.

To attract global talent, the policies emphasize improving comprehensive support services for foreign professionals and expanding enrollment in professional master's and doctoral programs. Enhanced coordination between fiscal and financial policies will also be promoted, introducing measures that support overseas asset management institutions in investing in technological innovation via equity investment funds. Measures such as implementing integrated land use for technological innovation, applying negative list management, and allowing start-ups and enterprises to flexibly adjust their business activities will help improve the technology service system in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

The policies will also encourage deeper international collaboration by allowing innovation entities in the Chinese mainland to partner with overseas institutions on major research projects. Pilot programs for foreign-funded R&D institutions will be expanded in the region, alongside support for the establishment of international science and technology organizations.

(Source: Kaifang Beijing)