China Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration (CIURIC) Association has confirmed on October 31th that Yichang has been identified as one of the Innovative Model Bases for CIURIC. Yichang is the only city in Hubei Province that has obtained this reward, which will surely facilitate the construction of Yichang as an innovative city.
　　Yichang has made remarkable achievements according to CIURIC Association’s evaluation, which includes successfully carrying out innovation-driven strategies, creating an enterprise-dominating, market-oriented system of CIURIC. At present, 177 high and new tech enterprises, 214 engineering technology centers, key laboratories and enterprises technology centers have been established. Co-established institutions with universities have reached 170. In 2013 alone, the technology market turnover rose up to ¥5.7 billion (almost $930,690,000) and the number of patent applications totaled 6,400 pieces. (Correspondent: Guo Ling, Tao Jin, Reporter: Mei Yunxiong)