The Zizhu High-Tech Park – situated in the Minhang district of East China's Shanghai – is flourishing as a hotspot for innovation, hosting 7,399 companies including major international corporations Intel and Microsoft.

A panoramic aerial view of Zizhu High-Tech Park. [Photo/eastday.com]

Known far and wide for its global appeal, the park is now home to 17 Fortune 500 firms, seven multinational headquarters and 14 prestigious international research and development centers.

Last year, it recorded significant fiscal revenue of 11.3 billion yuan ($1.6 billion), representing a 10.6 percent gain on the previous year and securing it 9th position among China's top high-tech zones.

Recent insights emerged from the 2nd VDMA Industry Future Fit Conference held within the park, focusing on the transformative power of artificial intelligence, or AI, in production.

Gathering over 400 experts, executives and technicians from the realm of global manufacturing, the conference explored AI's application and evolution in manufacturing processes, offering fresh perspectives and strategies for industry advancement.

Established by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the Zizhu High-Tech Park spans 13 square kilometers – featuring university campuses, R&D bases and support facilities. Since its inception in 2002, it has evolved into a National High-Tech Industrial Development Park recognized in 2011 by the State Council, China's Cabinet.

By April 2024, the park's roster of registered companies included 6,892 domestic and 507 foreign-owned enterprises, with a combined registered capital nearly 84.36 billion yuan and foreign investments totaling $9.44 billion.