Two innovation-related lists show that Zhejiang is thriving in terms of both its economic strength and innovation capabilities.

The Eastern Chinese province published lists of the top 10 most innovative counties and the top 100 most innovative companies on April 21 in its capital city of Hangzhou.

Statistics show that in 2019, Zhejiang produced 16,060 invention patents, a year-on-year increase of 20.21 percent. The number of invention patents per 10,000 people was 28, an 18.6 percent increase year-on-year.

The number of valid invention patents related to the digital economy increased by 12.18 percent year-on-year to 49,100, while the number of PCT international patent applications surged 63.3 percent year-on-year to 25,525.

The digital economy has become a major driver of industrial transformation and upgrading. In 2019, the added value of core digital economy sectors in Zhejiang increased 15 percent, making up 10 percent of regional GDP.

The number of invention patents reveals the province's innovative might. Binjiang district in Hangzhou had more than 13,680 invention patents, while Hangzhou-based New H3C Technologies Co Ltd had 4,356.

Five districts and 25 companies in the city were shortlisted, with the 25 companies having a total of 10,127 invention patients, making up 46.9 percent of all invention patients owned by the city's top 100 companies.

In addition to strong innovation in emerging industries, traditional industries have also demonstrated their innovative capabilities.

A group of traditional manufacturing companies, including Geely Automobile, Fotile Kitchenware, and Jack Sewing Machine, also made the list thanks to their strong transformation and upgrading efforts over the years.

"The line between old and emerging industries has blurred and it is the most innovative that are leading the way," said Ruan Jixiang, founder of Jack Sewing Machine, who added that the company now has its sights set on 5G plus industrial internet.