The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Innovation Pilot Project (Shenzhen Longhua) officially launched at the Longhua International Cooperation Center on Tuesday.

During a panel discussion that was part of the event, experts and scholars explored the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in driving sustainable development. They also shared insights on fostering high-quality urban innovation ecosystems.

Shen Peng, executive director and principal researcher of the Shenzhen Greater Bay Area Financial Institute, participated in the discussion. During an exclusive interview with Shenzhen Daily, Shen shared his perspective on Shenzhen’s sustainable development journey and discussed how to enhance the global competitiveness of its innovation ecosystem.

Shen highlighted that since its founding, Shenzhen has woven sustainable development into its urban planning, aligning with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The city has placed great emphasis on environmental protection, income equality, talent attraction, and the quality and extent of its openness to the world,” Shen remarked.

“These forward-thinking principles have made Shenzhen one of the most outward-looking, innovative, and technologically advanced cities, with a strong social security system, in the Greater Bay Area and across China.”

Looking ahead, Shen stressed that the key priority is further enhancing the global competitiveness of Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem. “Urban competitiveness isn’t just about infrastructure, high-tech companies, or educational resources. It’s about how these elements come together to form a dynamic innovation ecosystem,” Shen explained.

“In today’s globalized world, competition among cities has shifted from individual innovation capabilities to the strength of their innovation ecosystems. To thrive, a city must attract technological resources, capital, top talent, key enterprises, and data, creating an efficient, self-sustaining growth model that enhances overall development,” he added.

To reach this goal, Shen emphasized the need to cultivate a business environment that nurtures the innovation ecosystem. “Beyond building top-tier infrastructure, we need to make Shenzhen a place where people from around the globe are eager to come, grow, and launch businesses wholeheartedly,” he said.

Shen also pointed out that to strengthen its sustainable development capabilities and global competitiveness, Shenzhen must deepen international cooperation and engagement.

“We need to stay closely aligned with global industry trends, emerging markets, new business models, and innovative collaborations,” he emphasized.

“Within the framework of sustainable development, Shenzhen needs to strengthen its connections between the local and global innovation ecosystems, establishing itself as a key hub in the global sustainable development network. This will not only boost Shenzhen’s capacity for sustainable innovation but also position its ecosystem to play a pivotal role in the global innovation landscape,” Shen noted.

Regarding the UNDP project launch in Longhua, Shen expressed confidence in its positive impact. “With strong government backing and a concentration of industries, I’m confident this project will significantly elevate the quality of Longhua District’s outward-facing economic development, raise the technological sophistication and collaboration in its industries, and further enhance its global competitiveness,” Shen said.