[Photo via VCG]
At ZGC Science Fiction Industry Innovation Center in Shijingshan District, a number of new technologies, such as motion capture, graphic rendering, AR/VR/MR, and new ways of display are being developed. Located in western Beijing, the center offers interesting interactive games and ultra-clear large screens that present the metaverse space, witnessing the formation of a new sci-fi world. The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and the transformation and upgrading of Shougang Park facilitated the development of the sci-fi industry in Shijingshan District, making it one of the highlights in this district.
Shougang Park witnessed the success of the first China Science Fiction Convention in 2020 and the establishment of the first sci-fi industry cluster. Now that three years have passed, Shijingshan District has taken the convention as a platform, leveraged the development of the cluster, and paid close attention to the municipal policies in the field, so as to reinforce the utilization and operation of the convention as an IP-featured event.
At present, Shijingshan is transforming from a host district of science fiction convention to an industrial cluster, initially forming an industrial development pattern that integrates content creation, IP commercialization, film and television creation and investment, film and television shooting, science and technology, as well as experience. Policy support is critical for the industrial development pattern. A series of plans and schemes, such as the Development Plan of Building Beijing into a Global Sci-tech Innovation Hub During the 14th Five-Year Plan Period, the Outline of National Action Plan for Scientific Literacy in Beijing (2021-2035), and the Work Plan of Beijing for Promoting the Development of Sci-fi Industry in Shijingshan District from 2022 to 2023 were issued. In these documents, it is specified that the district will rely on the development of a comprehensive service area for high-end industries in Shougang Park, promote the development of sci-fi industry, and establish a sci-fi industry cluster in key areas. Moreover, it will hold subsequent sessions of China Science Fiction Convention at a high level and build a sci-tech environment with Beijing characteristics.
Based on that, Shijingshan District will also build a one-stop public service and technical service platform by leveraging ZGC Science Fiction Industry Innovation Center, improve the scientific and technological service chain including research institutes, incubators, accelerators, industrial clusters, and focus on incubating and accelerating the core technologies of sci-fi industry. In addition, the Modern Innovation Industry Fund in the district and the Beijing Shougang Fund have also jointly initiated and established Beijing Shoushi Science Fiction Industry Equity Investment Fund (Limited Partnership), the first equity investment fund for the sci-fi industry in China. The CNY 300 million funds will be placed on cultivating the whole industrial chain of sci-fi and the metaverse. More than 10 projects are reserved, including sci-fi hardware and experience, sci-fi content operation, and intelligent software application.
Next, Shijingshan District will continue to build an industrial ecosystem and an intellectual property protection system, while further encouraging the creation of original content and supporting the development of key technologies such as new-generation information technology, photoelectric technology, high-end equipment, AI, and VR. In addition, it looks to enlarge the industrial scale of sci-fi film and television, games, and services and gradually improve the industrial ecology.
At the same time, it will gradually drive the formation of sci-fi consumption systems such as Zhongguancun Virtual Reality Industrial Park and Shijingshan Amusement Park, so as to promote sci-fi industry to empower the cultural tourism industry. For end users, application scenarios will be built in Shougang Park, Beijing Heavy Electric Machinery Works Technology and Culture Industrial Park, and other sites to comprehensively improve user experience. A wide variety of activities, such as science fiction reading, sci-fi film watching, sci-fi animation and game festival, sci-fi urban design competitions, and others will be held around the city to encourage relevant consumption.
