Dreaming of the stars has been humanity's eternal pursuit. Today, this vision has given birth to the aerospace information industry, which has become a key engine for Jinan to cultivate new productive forces. From policy frameworks to core technological breakthroughs and the formation of a complete industrial ecosystem, the rise of Jinan's aerospace information sector resembles the meticulous assembly of a grand puzzle—each piece fitting precisely and solidly into place.
Key figures highlight the significance of this northern provincial capital: By the end of 2025, Jinan has attracted 192 aerospace information enterprises, with projected annual revenues exceeding 31 billion yuan. Thirty-nine ongoing projects involve planned investments totaling 24.986 billion yuan. Notably, local leader Jigang Group Co., Ltd. (Jigang), serving as the industrial chain anchor, has been instrumental in differentiating Jinan's aerospace sector, offering reassurance to top-tier firms settling in the city.
With provincial planning taking root and municipal initiatives delivering targeted support, Jinan's aerospace information industry is leveraging integrated innovation across academia, research, and industry to build a closed-loop industrial chain and elevate new productive forces.
**Jigang’s Transformation: Igniting Jinan’s Industrial "Start Button"** Founded in 1958, Jigang was among China’s first regional steel giants, once producing over 12 million tons annually. However, national steel capacity adjustments pushed it toward transformation. As the first major steelmaker to fully exit traditional production, Jigang’s pivot reflects courage and responsibility.
"We explored nearly every strategic emerging industry in the national economic classification directory," recalled Xu Xin, Deputy Director of Jigang’s Planning and Development Department. The state-owned enterprise sought not just change but alignment with national priorities.
Jigang’s aerospace journey began with the "space traveling-wave tube," a critical component for satellite communications and navigation. In 2019, Shandong partnered with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to advance industrial transformation. Seizing this opportunity, Jigang collaborated with the CAS Aerospace Information Research Institute to establish Shandong Microwave Vacuum Technology Co., Ltd., achieving breakthroughs in proprietary technology. By 2022, China’s first fully automated production line for space traveling-wave tubes was operational, laying the foundation for satellite assembly and rocket testing.
Despite transitioning from steel to aerospace, Jigang’s strengths—idle facilities, decades of manufacturing expertise, and synergies with aerospace supply chains—enabled its success. Subsidiaries adapted their capabilities, from machining to testing and gas supply, aligning with aerospace standards.
Today, Jigang has built a new industrial system centered on aerospace information, high-end equipment, and advanced materials, achieving milestones like the 2024 launch of "Jigang-1" and "Jigang-2" satellites. As the chain leader, Jigang has incubated firms in satellite manufacturing, rocket testing, and low-altitude economies, making Jinan China’s first city to cover the entire commercial aerospace spectrum (communication, navigation, remote sensing).
**From Research to Ecosystem: Activating Innovation** Jinan’s aerospace strategy, starting from scratch, gained momentum through partnerships with top research institutions. "Deep integration of academia, research, and industry is vital," noted Shi Xiaonan, Director of Jinan’s Low-Altitude Economy Office. The city established a dedicated office, breaking bureaucratic barriers to facilitate projects with CAS and aerospace giants.
Talent is key. The upcoming Aerospace Information University, China’s first of its kind, is already training doctoral and master’s students in collaboration with Shandong University and others. Jinan’s "1+8+X" innovation system—centered on the university, eight research institutes, and 159 high-level platforms—fuels industrial growth.
Collaborations like the Qilu Aerospace Information Research Institute’s partnership with Jigang and Shandong Normal University’s satellite data projects exemplify Jinan’s synergy-driven approach, attracting firms like HangSheng Satellite and Weihan Tech.
**Tackling Bottlenecks: Building a "Satellite-Rocket" Ecosystem** To stand out, Jinan focuses on scalable demand. Over 230 satellites are planned across constellations like WaveOptics and MicroLibra, necessitating local manufacturing.
"Rocket capacity is the bottleneck," Shi emphasized. Jinan’s "satellite-rocket integration" strategy addresses this by developing engine test facilities, such as the Mashan test site—a magnet for firms like Deep Blue Aerospace and Space Pioneer. By 2027, Jinan aims to produce 40 rocket engines and support 34 launches annually.
**Policy and Capital: Fueling Growth** Jinan’s aerospace ascent is backed by robust policies and funding. Shandong’s aerospace plan designated Jinan as a leader, reinforced by municipal action plans and a 13-chain industrial strategy.
Beyond policy, capital is critical. Jinan’s multi-tiered funding network includes 1.5 billion yuan annually, two 5-billion-yuan mother funds, and specialized funds, totaling 2.67 billion yuan in 2025 investments. Recent signings, like the 10-billion-yuan aerospace and low-altitude economy funds, underscore deep capital-project integration.
With upgraded national strategic positioning, layered policies, and targeted funding, Jinan’s aerospace sector is scaling rapidly, realizing its vision of "satellites in orbit, chains on the ground, and industries in the sky," positioning itself as a national benchmark.
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