Shanxi province has advanced scientific and technological innovation over the past year to accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system and promote high-quality development, national lawmakers said on Thursday during a group discussion at the ongoing third session of the 14th National People's Congress.

A network of laboratories, research academies and experimental centers has played a key role in driving innovation, speeding Shanxi's shift from old to new growth drivers and optimizing its industrial structure, said Tang Dengjie, a deputy to the 14th NPC and Party chief of the province.

Since 2021, Shanxi has focused on developing 16 provincial industrial chains, including electronics and information, new energy, new materials, high-end equipment manufacturing and modern pharmaceuticals. The province has also established 18 specialized towns with distinct local characteristics, Tang said.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has fueled significant growth in Shanxi's digital economy, he said, noting that AI applications in coal and mining have boosted production capacity while enhancing energy security.

Tang also supported the broader use of AI in sectors such as transportation, education, healthcare and grassroots governance, saying it could contribute to high-quality economic and social development.

Digital technology has played a major role in protecting and researching cultural relics, said Hang Kan, an NPC deputy and director of the Yungang Research Institute.

"We are planning to launch construction of a digital exhibition hall this year to provide better services for visitors to the Yungang Grottoes," he said.

Dating back 1,600 years, the Yungang Grottoes is one of China's largest cave complexes, featuring artistic influences from India, Central Asia, Greece and Rome. It was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.

Lyu Chunxiang, an NPC deputy and carbon fiber researcher, emphasized the need to foster a stronger environment for technological enterprises to innovate. She called for improved institutional protections to stimulate innovation and support research.