Intl talent zones help to boost progress in the capital

Beijing has stepped up efforts to promote the establishment of international talent communities to attract more people with professional skills who can contribute to the capital's development.

In 2016, the Municipal Talent Work Leading Group proposed the concept of building international talent communities in Beijing. In 2017, the first batch of four pilot projects－Chaoyang Wangjing, Zhongguancun Science City, Future Science City and New Shougang－were announced. In 2019, four new pilot areas were added.

A trial guideline for developing such communities in Beijing was issued in 2020. The document was based on surveys of the eight communities, as well as a comparison study of the urban construction experiences of nearly 30 developed countries and regions.

According to the document, international talent refers to people who have certain professional knowledge or skills, are familiar with international conventions and rules, are able to work creatively in a cross-cultural environment and contribute to socioeconomic development.

Such talent includes foreigners, overseas returnees and domestic workers with international vision and a desire to engage in global competition.

Centering on the demand for international talent, the guideline proposed nine areas that are key for community building, including neighborhood interactions, education and culture, innovation and entrepreneurship, healthcare, transportation networks, ecological protection and maintaining a low-carbon environment.

The development of international talent communities has been included in the latest version of the city's master plan. It has become a key task for Beijing as it strives to strengthen its role as a hub for international exchanges and for scientific and technological innovation.

Specific tasks include: building apartments, schools, hospitals and service facilities catering to international talent; renovating and upgrading pedestrian zones with distinctive features; launching innovation and entrepreneurship platforms; holding world-class international events; and setting up community identification systems.

Wangjing Street, a 380-meter-long pedestrian zone with booths in Chaoyang district, opened in 2020 to provide more leisure space for expats.

Also, an overseas high-level talent mansion has been built in Shunyi district, and Easy Beijing, a mobile app that offers services for international talent, has been launched.