Quzhou Southeast Digital Economic Development Institute settles into the Quzhou Epoch Innovation Building. It is undertaking the task of the digital economic development of the city. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The Quzhou Southeast Digital Economic Development Institute recently joined the formidable list of the 2020 provincial new research and development bodies in Zhejiang, becoming an important part of the innovation system of the province, according to local officials.

Playing the role of a pioneer in the digital economic development of Quzhou city in East China's Zhejiang province, officials said the institute strives to recruit high-end people, introduce key technologies and undertake a number of major projects.

"It's easier for me to apply my expertise here," according to Hang Xiaoshu, the holder of a doctorate in computer science, who was explaining why he was attracted to relocate in Quzhou.

When a research team signs a contract, the Quzhou government gives it initial funds of 200,000 yuan ($30,560). Each recruited expert with a master's degree gets 80,000 yuan, while each individual with a doctorate pockets 100,000 yuan and each academic leader is gifted with 200,000 yuan.

"The total cost of starting a research team is generally more than 1 million yuan," according to the head of the institute.