On March 31, the 2025 CCID Innovation Top 100 Districts list was released, with Jinan's Lixia district securing the 41st spot, while Licheng district followed closely at 90th place. This achievement continues the momentum from 2024, when both districts made the list, which has become a key indicator of technological innovation capabilities in Chinese urban areas.

Lixia, the financial and headquarters hub of Jinan, spans 100.89 square kilometers and is known for its strong innovation ecosystem. The district has established key innovation platforms, including a robust laboratory system and provincial research centers. By the end of 2024, Jinan had established a national laboratory base, 11 national key laboratories, 112 provincial labs, and 251 city labs, with Lixia hosting 78 labs, ranking second citywide.

The district is also home to numerous key platforms for technology transfer and innovation, such as the Shandong Science and Technology Market and various concept validation centers. These platforms bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and commercial application. Since its opening in May 2024, the Shandong Science and Technology Market has signed 3,357 technology transactions worth over 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million), facilitating a deeper connection between innovation and the market.

Additionally, Lixia fosters a vibrant environment for cutting-edge industries such as intelligent manufacturing, robotics, and biotech. With over 1,000 tech-based small and medium-sized enterprises and numerous high-tech companies, the district is positioning itself as a key player in driving the regional economy through innovation.

The continued inclusion of Lixia on the list of innovators reflects the district's strategic role in driving regional economic growth through technological and industrial integration.