Experts give advice on the development path for Optics Valley of China to 2030, at a meeting held in Beijing, on Dec 4. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A consultation meeting about research on an innovation-driven development strategy for Optics Valley of China up until 2030 was held in Beijing on Dec 4, with participation by 34 experts from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Development Research Center of the State Council.

Since its establishment in 1988, East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China) has put an emphasis on independent innovation and introducing skilled workers. 

By the end of 2016, the total revenue of companies in the zone reached 1.14 trillion yuan ($171.78 billion), ranking third among 146 State-level high-tech zones, following Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park and Shanghai's Zhangjiang High-tech Park.

At the meeting, 22 experts expressed their opinions on the zone’s development, and 12 experts offered written opinions. Topics including artificial intelligence, human resources and ecological innovation were passionately debated.   

Many experts present attached great importance to artificial intelligence in Optics Valley of China’s development over the next 15 years. In addition, there was a consensus that skilled workers would be highly significant, and that ecological innovation should be prioritized. 

According to the development plan put forward at the meeting, Optics Valley of China’s future development will have three steps. 

By 2020, the zone will have been built into a world-class high-tech zone; by 2030, the zone will be at the forefront of the world’s high-tech zones; and by 2050, the zone will have been built into a leading global high-tech zone.