(Yicai) May 29 -- Shanghai’s technology workforce has grown by nearly 19 percent in five years, surpassing 2.8 million people, highlighting the trends of tech education among young people and internationalization, according to a local scientific association.

In 2023, the eastern metropolis recorded more than 2.8 million tech workers, an increase of 440,000 from 2019, according to a recent report by the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology.

During the same period, the number of local research and development professionals rose by 49 percent to 404,700, while tech workers employed by high-tech enterprises surged 55 percent to reach 1.9 million. The local branches of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering were home to 172 academicians -- nearly 10 percent of the national total -- making Shanghai the country’s second-largest hub for these highly distinguished scholars.

Nearly 57 percent of Shanghai’s tech workforce held master's or doctoral degrees in 2023, up from around 44 percent five years earlier. They published 158 academic papers, representing a record 30 percent of the national total.

In terms of career development, Shanghai’s tech professionals demonstrated strong job stability and a high degree of autonomy. Survey data showed that nearly 91 percent of respondents maintained continuous employment over the past five years. More than 82 percent said they had never considered switching their profession or employer, up from 59 percent previously. Additionally, close to 59 percent reported having significant control over how they perform their work, a slight increase from 57 percent.

Tech workers also expressed confidence in the future. Around 73 percent of respondents said they believed in China’s goal of becoming a global center for talent and innovation by 2035. Meanwhile, 58 percent felt optimistic about their own career development and work conditions over the next five years, and 59 percent believed their standard of living would continue to improve.

Many respondents anticipated that technological advances -- such as artificial intelligence -- would impact their careers. About 55 percent expected such technologies to boost their work efficiency, while 56 percent believed that some of their job responsibilities would be replaced by AI or similar innovations.

Overall, respondents held a favorable view of Shanghai. Around 58 percent of scientific researchers said the city offers ample career development opportunities. Nearly 47 percent cited its open social environment, while 31 percent noted its high degree of internationalization -- figures that remained largely unchanged from the previous five-year period.

Editor: Emmi Laine