A new rare earth electrode material production line is established by Baotou Zhongke Xuanda New Energy Technology Co. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

A total of 13 enterprises based in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, applied for certification to officially be designated a "high-tech enterprise" in 2020, according to local media reports.

A high-tech enterprise refers to an enterprise that continuously conducts research and development, works towards the commercialization of technological achievements, and establishes core independent intellectual property rights within the scope of the high-tech field supported by the State. It is a knowledge-intensive and technology-intensive economic entity.

The number of high-tech enterprises is widely believed to reflect the technological innovation capabilities of a region.

In recent years, Baotou has been committed to leading the development of regional innovation and entrepreneurship, continuously facilitating the growth of technology-based enterprises, and focusing on areas including rare earth new materials, equipment manufacturing, electronic information, and new energy.

The city has carried out a comprehensive survey of basic conditions such as corporate growth, research and development capabilities, and intellectual property rights, and provided key assistance to companies.