DALIAN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and mounting uncertainties, the question facing policymakers and executives is shifting: it is less about simply fostering innovation but more about how to ensure that it translates into tangible economic gains.

　　Against this backdrop, the World Economic Forum (WEF)'s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian has become a key platform for such discussions. China, with its ongoing efforts to integrate innovation into the real economy, is providing important insights into this transition.

　　The event, also known as the Summer Davos, is being held under the theme of "Innovating at Scale" from June 23 to 25, bringing together over 1,700 participants from more than 90 countries and regions to discuss ways to scale innovation into better jobs, stronger economies and new growth opportunities.

　　Innovation-driven development is the key to China's long-term economic resilience and steady growth, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang when addressing the opening plenary of the forum on Wednesday in this coastal city in Liaoning Province.

　　"Over the course of long-term innovation, China has forged a path where technological innovation leads industrial upgrading, which in turn drives further technological iteration," the premier said.

　　Participants attend a session titled "Top 10 Emerging Technologies 2026" during the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

　　INNOVATING AT SCALE