The Wuhan Municipal Government recently held a press conference to announce that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Wuhan has climbed from 13th to 9th place in the global research city rankings, emerging as a significant innovation hub both domestically and internationally.

Wuhan currently boasts over 16,600 high-tech enterprises, a 2.66-fold increase from 2020. In 2024, the added value of high-tech manufacturing above designated size grew by 23.7 percent, accounting for over 90 percent of growth in industries above designated size.

Finance plays a crucial role in integrating technological innovation with industrial development. According to the 16th edition of the "China Financial Center Index (CFCI)" released in July 2025, Wuhan ranks 10th nationwide. The latest "Global Financial Center Index (GFCI)" places Wuhan 79th globally, a 32-place improvement since the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Wuhan introduced various policy-driven financial products, creating a comprehensive product matrix covering the entire lifecycle of tech enterprises. By the end of August 2025, Wuhan had established five bank equity direct investment (AIC) funds totaling 5.6 billion yuan ($787.29 million), ranking 5th nationally, and issued 32 sci-tech bonds worth 28.4 billion yuan, also ranking 5th.

Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development has established an innovation support system integrating government, industry, academia, research, finance, services and application. The institute has reserved over 900 projects with path-breaking technology potential, attracted more than 70 leading scientists and innovation teams, and facilitated the investment and commercialization of nearly 1,000 technological achievements.