Core Insights - The scale and intensity of R&D activities are critical indicators of a country's technological strength and core competitiveness, with China ranking second globally in R&D expenditure for 2024 at 36,326.8 billion yuan, following the United States [1] - The R&D expenditure intensity in China is 2.69%, placing it 12th in the world and surpassing the European Union's level of 2.13% [1] - Six provinces in China contributed significantly to R&D funding, each exceeding 200 billion yuan, collectively accounting for over half of the national total [1] Group 1: R&D Expenditure Rankings - The top ten provinces in R&D expenditure are also among the top ten in GDP, indicating a strong correlation between economic size and R&D investment [4] - In 2024, Jiangsu leads with R&D expenditure of 5,099.6 billion yuan, followed by Guangdong at 4,800.6 billion yuan, and Beijing at 3,278.4 billion yuan [5] - Notably, Anhui ranks ninth in R&D expenditure despite having a smaller economy compared to provinces like Hunan and Fujian, which are ranked lower [6] Group 2: R&D Investment Intensity - R&D investment intensity reflects the commitment and prioritization of innovation within provinces, with Anhui achieving an intensity of 2.76%, ranking just behind Jiangsu and Zhejiang [9] - In 2024, Beijing and Shanghai saw an increase in R&D expenditure intensity by 0.36 percentage points, leading the nation, while Tianjin experienced a decline from 3.48% to 3.44% [16] - Anhui's R&D investment intensity has increased by 0.14 percentage points, showcasing its strong focus on innovation despite economic pressures [16] Group 3: Long-term Trends and Contributions - Over the past decade, Anhui has shown significant growth in both R&D expenditure and intensity, surpassing several provinces and demonstrating a strong upward trend [10] - In 2023, Anhui's corporate R&D investment exceeded 100 billion yuan for the first time, contributing over 80% to the overall growth in R&D spending [13] - The commitment to R&D investment remains strong across many provinces, even amid global economic slowdowns, highlighting a focus on long-term innovation strategies [13]