In its government work report, the Baotou government is expected to prioritize the construction of four industrial bases, a regional innovation center, a regional service sector center, and a new hub focused on opening-up and modern economic systems. The regional innovation center, which will be planned during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), has captured particular national attention.

The regional innovation center will be built as part of the city's huge ambition to become the nation's technological innovation hub for rare earth and new materials, and to be a focal point for innovation in West China.

As a major industrial city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Baotou has completed its industrial system and laid a solid foundation for manufacturing enterprises. However, the city has encountered difficulties in attracting high-level talents and in creating incentives for technological advancement.

Based on the current situation, Zou Benhui, general manager of CNNC China North Nuclear Fuel Co, said that a demonstration zone for Baotou's scientific and technological innovation should be established. She also urged a combination of enterprises' spontaneity in developing special nuclear products, with the government's financial assistance in R&D programs and talent attraction.

Chi Jianyi, director of the Baotou Rare Earth R&D Center at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, believes that only when Baotou gives full play to its unique advantages can the competitiveness of its high-tech innovation be raised.

In terms of the "10 policies" that support the development of the rare earth and new materials industrial park, Huang Jiaohong, chief expert and senior engineer of Baogang Group, stressed the importance of these policies and also the need for strengthened efforts to develop globally influential programs on the cutting-edge applications of rare earth.

In addition, Lyu Fu, executive vice dean of Baotou Industrial Technology Research Institute of Zhejiang University, suggested the legal protection of intellectual property rights. He urged local firms to learn from the successful experiences offered by leading corporations in Zhejiang province.