Thanks to China’s advancing economy, once underdeveloped regions of the country including provinces such as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have attained staggering growth.

The ethnically diverse province is China’s only provincial region that has both sea and land links with member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It has been an important gateway for cross border trade and commerce, with exports and imports through the region hitting nearly $61 billion last year. 

In spite of this sustainable growth, Guangxi seems to be taking a further leap ahead by adopting the innovation driven development strategy. This transformation is manifested in the sprawling 80,000 square meter Nanning Zhongguancun Innovation Demonstration base, which has been set up in an attempt to create an innovative ecosystem supported by information technology and dominated by the intelligent manufacturing industry.

The base is set up in the core area of the Nanning High Tech Zone and is made up of 13 European style buildings which include an innovation exhibition communication area and research and development centers for various companies.

This innovation exhibition harbors some of the technological breakthroughs undertaken by companies that are operating in the region and explores how they are being put to commercial use.

Some of the technological breakthroughs on display at the center include small robots which can be deployed in factories to ensure smoother functioning of industrial production lines and greater energy saving.

Another interesting product developed and manufactured in Guangxi is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be used to monitor large areas of farmland.

Emergency surfboards which can be used efficiently by law enforcement agencies to handle emergencies on water were also on display. The center also showcases technological breakthroughs such as automatic water supply systems for farms and an electronic trainer to facilitate the recovery of those who suffer from hip or joint ailments, among numerous other technological breakthroughs.

The purpose of the demonstration base is to serve as an innovation and entrepreneurship service platform that facilitates the growth of strategic new industries. So far, leading enterprises and projects like Shanghai MJ Intelligent System, HIT Robot Group and Google AdWords Guangxi Experience Center have set up base in the center.

Additionally, to set up a healthy ecosystem, the authorities created the Mingjiang Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Investment Fund with a target of 500 million yuan. 

The companies on the base have also acquired nearly 265 intelligent properties and scientific and technological projects, and are implementing over 70 research projects with an input of 26.33 million yuan.

Guangxi has a massive advantage due to its geographical location. Its coastlines, rivers and border areas hold immense potential for the region to grow as a trading hub. What is interesting, however, is the Chinese government’s attempt to keep the region from becoming complacent because of these advantages.

It has realized that innovation is the primary impetus for growth, and has focused on creating the necessary environment for enterprises to emphasize innovation to boost the region's growth further.

Such efforts in the region showcase a lesson that many developing countries could learn from China, to never rest on their laurels and always try to push to ensure the greater good of the people. 

The author is an Indian journalist and currently a fellow at the China Asia Pacific Press Center.