开启史上最强“抢人大战”，广州何以至此？

Core Viewpoint - Guangzhou's resident population has increased by over 100,000 for the first time in three years, showcasing its strong appeal as a "first provincial capital" in China, despite facing challenges in attracting high-skilled talent [2][4][6]. Population Growth - In 2024, Guangzhou's resident population reached 18.978 million, with an increase of 151,000 compared to the previous year, ranking second among provincial capitals in terms of population growth [2]. - The city experienced a significant population increase of 5.975 million from 2010 to 2020, leading all provincial capitals, although it faced a decline in growth in the subsequent years [6]. - The natural population growth in 2024 was 59,500, with 165,200 people migrating to the city, contributing to 67.7% of the population growth [8]. Talent Acquisition Challenges - Despite a large number of universities, Guangzhou struggles to retain talent, with a total talent pool of 3.89 million, significantly lower than Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen [11]. - The city ranks last among major cities in retaining local graduates, with 43% of its recent graduates coming from other provinces [12]. Economic and Industrial Context - Guangzhou's economy is heavily reliant on its industrial base, particularly in automotive, electronics, and petrochemicals, but has faced challenges due to the decline of traditional industries [13]. - The city's GDP growth has lagged behind other major cities, with a 3.0% decline in industrial output in 2024, particularly in the automotive sector, which saw an 18.2% drop [13]. Talent Recruitment Initiatives - In response to talent shortages, Guangzhou launched a large-scale recruitment campaign, "Million Talents Gathering in South Guangdong," attracting over 120,000 job seekers and offering more than 500,000 positions [16][18]. - The recruitment event highlighted the demand for high-level talent, with nearly 20% of positions for PhD candidates and over 6,700 positions offering salaries above 500,000 yuan [18]. Local Government Support - Various districts in Guangzhou have implemented measures to attract talent, including free accommodation, travel subsidies, and significant financial incentives for high-level talent [19]. - Specific initiatives include free housing for high-level talent for up to five years and monthly living subsidies for new graduates [19]. Conclusion - The competition for talent in Guangzhou is intensifying, as the city aims to enhance its industrial capabilities and economic growth through strategic talent acquisition [20].