The number of companies in Beijing's Zhongguancun district winning municipal Science & Technology awards has risen rapidly, almost 50 percent, year-on-year, with 27 of these companies getting the award in 2012. This was a 70-percent increase from the previous year. A number of them have become roles models in scientific and technological innovation in the Zhongguancun Science Park, while contributing to its economic and social development. The top prize went to four programs, the second prize to eight, with 22 third-place winners.

Edited by Zhao Qian and Roger Bradshaw