The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area topped the world's 100 leading innovation clusters in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization on September 1.

It is the first time the cluster has ranked first globally, reflecting rapid progress in collaborative innovation across the Greater Bay Area.

Cross-border connectivity has played a key role. Researchers in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) can now commute directly to Shenzhen's Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone within 30 minutes, while cross-border experimental equipment can be delivered for inspection within 48 hours. Joint research projects involving Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions have increased by 40 percent, driven by the innovation corridor.

Breakthroughs are emerging steadily. In Guangdong, the world's first deep-sea cold spring ecological research facility is under construction, the Jiangmen neutrino experiment has released its first physical results, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is leading the development of a multi-functional lunar surface robot and mobile charging station. Meanwhile, the "Macao Science No. 1" satellite has orbited the Earth over 10,000 times, generating a wealth of high-precision scientific data.

The integration of the complete industrial system in the nine mainland cities with Hong Kong and Macao's advanced modern service industries, finance, and scientific research resources is also deepening.

At present, the Greater Bay Area is witnessing rapid growth in emerging industries. The core AI industry now exceeds 220 billion yuan (about $31 billion) and nine trillion-level industrial clusters are fortifying the foundation for high-quality development.

Despite covering less than 0.6 percent of China's total land area, the Greater Bay Area contributes one-ninth of the country's total economic output, making it one of the most open and economically dynamic regions in China.

The recently concluded Central Economic Work Conference reiterated the goal of "building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international center for technological innovation," injecting new policy support into the region's tech development.

Looking ahead, the Greater Bay Area is focusing on emerging sectors like the low-altitude economy and bio-manufacturing. It plans to establish five additional trillion-level industrial clusters, driving the accelerated transformation of leading industries such as electronics and advanced equipment manufacturing towards high-end, intelligent development.