In recent years, a noticeable shift has occurred in several major cities across China, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, as they have introduced comprehensive plans aimed at fostering high-quality development in urban manufacturingThese strategies emphasize the need for manufacturing to synergize with the economic frameworks present in city centersRather than merely reviving traditional manufacturing practices, this movement is a strategic transformation towards high-tech, value-added productionThis shift is of paramount importance, as it not only underscores the critical role of the manufacturing sector in sustaining economic health but also addresses the urgent need to combat manufacturing hollowing-out.

The question arises: why has urban manufacturing become the focal point of development? Unlike traditional manufacturing models characterized by their high energy consumption and significant emissions, urban industry embodies a new industrial paradigm that is environmentally friendly, featuring lighter production processes and lower emissions

This emerging sector capitalizes on the advantages of central urban areas, such as access to skilled talent, financial resources, and efficient logisticsThe essence of urban manufacturing lies in its ability to integrate production with research and development, design, display, and marketing, creating a novel eco-system that merges manufacturing with servicesThis is beneficial in two significant ways: it enhances the economic competitiveness of city centers by attracting high-value industries like intelligent manufacturing and biomedicine, while simultaneously aligning with the ecological demands of urban areas, providing sustainable solutions for economic and environmental development.

Various cities have explored distinct paths to advancing urban manufacturing according to their unique characteristicsFor instance, under the "retreating old for new" strategy, Guangzhou has witnessed rapid growth in its service industry and a subsequent transition in its urban economy

However, this transformation has led to a decline in the manufacturing industry's share, somewhat diminishing the city’s industrial prowessIn response, Guangzhou has initiated industry upgrades in key districts like Haizhu, aiming to blend fashion technology with intelligent manufacturing, thereby reinforcing the foundation for urban industrial developmentConversely, Shenzhen has consistently advocated for the coordinated growth of manufacturing within city limitsBy embracing a model that emphasizes "headquarters research and development plus high-end manufacturing," Shenzhen has effectively promoted the growth of high-tech enterprises in sectors such as intelligent manufacturing and biomedicineData from 2023 indicates that Shenzhen's industrial increased value reached 11,818.61 billion yuan, representing 37.6% of its GDP, demonstrating the significant role manufacturing plays in the city's economy

The experiences of these two cities highlight that the collaborative development of manufacturing and service industries is essential for achieving high-quality economic progressThe revitalization of urban manufacturing should be seen as a reinforcement of overall urban competitiveness rather than a concession to the service industry.

So, how can urban manufacturing be anchored firmly in city centers? It is crucial to explore numerous dimensions, including innovative models, optimized spatial arrangements, and collaborative development mechanisms to address the challenges facing urban manufacturing.

First, the need to innovate industrial development models cannot be overstressedUrban manufacturing must be rooted in the unique resource endowments of the city, seeking paths that reflect practical realitiesFor instance, Guangzhou has propelled industry development through models that integrate "headquarters plus branches" and "research and manufacturing," fostering connectivity between central urban areas and outlying districts in sectors like fashion textiles and intelligent manufacturing

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The Caohejing Development Zone in Shanghai focuses on chip design, creating a collaborative innovation platform that seizes competitive advantages within the high-tech sectorShenzhen’s model, emphasizing "headquarters research plus high-end manufacturing," has successfully drawn manufacturing back to central urban areas, facilitating a virtuous cycle of industrial growth within the citiesSuch a "urban manufacturing plus technological innovation" approach not only ensures the integrity of industrial chains but also enhances the value generated by manufacturing.

Second, optimizing industrial spatial arrangements is vitalAlthough land resources are constrained in core urban areas, innovative approaches can ensure effective spatial utilizationFor example, Guangzhou Development Zone has constructed "sky-high factories" that merge production, research, and office functions within a single space, significantly improving land use efficiency

Similarly, Shenzhen’s Bao'an District has adopted a "multi-floor plus custom enterprise" model, offering manufacturing firms highly integrated industrial spaces.

Third, deepening collaborative mechanisms between industry, academia, and research institutions is essentialThe sustained growth of urban manufacturing is heavily reliant on technological innovation, which is significantly enhanced through intensified collaborationsFor instance, urban centers can fortify connections with universities and research organizations to create a seamless chain from concept validation to product commercializationThe Caohejing Development Zone has notably established collaborative innovation platforms that align technological advancements from universities with industrial needs, promoting applications and commercialization in fields like chip design and artificial intelligenceThis approach not only bolsters the technological innovation capacity of urban areas but also infuses urban manufacturing with robust innovative energy.

Lastly, developing multifunctional urban industrial parks can serve as powerful vehicles for industry aggregation and functional blending

The Shenzhen Quanzhi Technology Innovation Park exemplifies this concept by integrating industrial production with essential living services and public recreational spaces, creating a conducive work-life environment for employees.

Driving the collaborative development of urban manufacturing is critical to achieving a high-quality economic transformationManufacturing and service industries have never been adversaries; rather, they represent the dual engines of urban economic progressThe push towards high-quality urban manufacturing is not merely a strategy to address manufacturing hollowing-out but represents a pivotal step in those cities’ industrial metamorphosisWith the dual engines of policy guidance and technological innovation propelling urban manufacturing further into intricate arrangements of collaboration with service businesses, urban manufacturing will emerge as a new powerhouse for economic growth