Shandong’s Yanggu Unleashes Brilliance of Innovative Tech Talent

LIAOCHENG, China, Jun. 23, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

“With a grand stage, talent can shine at its brightest.” In Yanggu County, Shandong Province, Ma Delong, deputy technical director at Shandong Yanggu Huatai Chemical Co., Ltd., held the prestigious Taishan Industry Leading Talent certificate with deep emotion. As Shandong’s highest honor for scientific professionals, the recognition marks not only his personal achievement, but also the 17-year journey of mutual growth between Ma and his hometown.

In 2008, fresh out of university, Ma returned to Yanggu, inspired by his father’s role in building Huatai Chemical. As the company navigated a pivotal transformation, Ma dove into industrial projects and chemical park design. “I was filled with hope for the future,” he recalled. That promise took root thanks to Yanggu’s fertile ground for nurturing talent.

Yanggu County has long recognized talent as the key driver of development. Adhering to a “talent-first” strategy, the county has fully implemented Liaocheng’s talent policies, while rolling out targeted local initiatives, attracting young innovators to join and thrive in Yanggu.

Robust platforms ensure talent can thrive. Yanggu has invested heavily in local innovation infrastructure. Notably, Huatai Chemical established the National Engineering Research Center for Rubber Additives, the first national-level center of its kind in Liaocheng. The county also promotes university-enterprise partnerships for customized talent development and has achieved full R&D coverage for large-scale enterprises. A multi-dimensional support system combining “Industry+,” “Research+,” and “Entrepreneurship+” has taken shape.

With its strong talent ecosystem, Yanggu has become a destination for innovation. In recent years, the county has built 44 high-level R&D platforms, including national engineering centers, provincial innovation hubs, and key laboratories. It has attracted five academician-led teams, including those of Tan Jianrong, Li Yongfang, and Ying Hanjie, and launched six major collaborative projects. Yanggu has cultivated 12 Taishan Industry Leading Talents and earned titles such as one of “Shandong’s Top 20 Cities for Young Talent” and “Employment-Friendly City for Young Professionals.”

Source: Information Office of Yanggu County People’s Government