The Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, has recently published the 2023 Evaluation Report on the Innovation Capability of National Innovative Cities. The evaluation report has revealed that 3 cities in Fujian have made it to the Top 100 National Innovative Cities list. Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Quanzhou are ranked 18th, 41st, and 89th, respectively. In terms of the innovative capability index, Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Quanzhou are ranked 18th, 40th, and 80th, respectively. Additionally, in terms of the innovative governance capability index, Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Quanzhou are ranked 12th, 38th, and 80th, respectively.

A national innovative city is defined as a city with strong independent innovation capabilities, a prominent role in scientific and technological support, a high level of sustainable economic and social development, and a significant regional impact on the development of its surrounding areas. Every year, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China conducts a comprehensive evaluation of national innovative cities throughout the country. The evaluation is based on 30 indicators across five major areas: innovation governance, original innovation, technological innovation, results commercialization, and innovation drive.