The Forum on Global Innovation Hubs and Science Cities, an activity of the 2024 Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum, on Thursday released the Global Innovation Hubs Index (GIHI) 2024.
San Francisco-San Jose has ranked first for five consecutive years, New York takes second place, and Beijing ranks third.
China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area stands at sixth, and Shanghai reaches seventh place.
The Global Innovation Hubs Index (GIHI) was jointly developed by the Center for Industrial Development and Environmental Governance of Tsinghua University and Nature Research Intelligence.
Global Innovation Hubs Index (GIHI) 2024 released in Beijing
The first group of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team has arrived at Qinling Station in Antarctica, the country's fifth research station on the continent.
The station, located on the Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea, was officially inaugurated in February. Covering an area of 5,244 square meters, the station is in a shape resembling the Southern Cross constellation, a unique design to honor Zheng He, a legendary admiral, navigator and diplomat in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The first group of the team consists of 34 individuals with expertise in management, security, and construction. Upon arriving at the Qinling Station, they immediately began operations, deploying three excavators, two loaders, and two 100 kW generators. By the end of the day, the station's power supply function had been largely restored.
"After standing through the entire winter, the main building of Qinling Station remains intact, with its structure confirmed to be safe and reliable. Next, we will implement projects involving new energy systems and outdoor pipelines to make comprehensive preparations for the deployment of various systems," said Wang Zhechao, chief of the Qinling Station.
China's 41st Antarctic expedition team set off from Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov 1, taking the research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, as well as cargo vessel Yong Sheng.
In the coming months, researchers will build the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station, investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem, and conduct international research and logistics cooperation.
First group of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team arrives at Qinling Station
