Shanghai was awarded the title of "design city" by UNESCO, and city officials Friday said the award will help the city develop an innovation industry encompassing technology research, architecture design, culture and fashion.

Shanghai, which will host the 2010 World Expo from May 1 to October 31, will establish more innovation industry zones, strengthen copyright protection and train more talents, according to Shao Zhiqing, vice director of the Shanghai Economic and Information Technology Development Commission.

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization awarded Shanghai the title on the city's strong innovation and design ability, such as research on the 3G technology TD-SCDMA, design of Roewe cars and the jewelry design center producing the "Lao Fengxiang" brand.

"Innovation has become a spotlight of the local economy," Shao said at a press conference Friday. "The development of an innovation industry will help us upgrade the economic structure and improve people's quality of life."

In 2009, the output of the innovation industry totaled 114.8 billion yuan (US$16.88 billion), accounting for 7.7 percent of the city's total gross domestic product, compared with 5.8 percent in 2004.

(Shanghai Daily February 27, 2010)