Jinan Optimizes Talent Development Ecosystem to Support College Graduates’ Employment and Entrepreneurship

The 2026 Graduation Ceremony for University Students in Jinan was held on June 12. The event extended best wishes to college graduates and showcased Jinan’s achievements in fostering young talent.

The 2026 Graduation Ceremony for University Students in Jinan
Photo by Chen Kai

In recent years, Jinan has seen its advantages in attracting talent continue to grow. From 2021 to 2025, an average of 111,000 college graduates came to or remained in Jinan to pursue development each year. The city’s total talent pool has reached 3.1 million. Its resident population increased by 374,000 over the five-year period, including 101,000 new residents in 2025, reflecting the city’s strong youthful vitality.
The local talent supply is highly aligned with industrial development. Universities based in Jinan have launched more than 350 new academic programs, 80 percent of which focus on the real economy and emerging industries. Last year, Jinan’s four major industries — electronic information, high-end software, artificial intelligence, and integrated circuits — achieved total revenue of 434.5 billion yuan, up 27.3 percent year on year, generating more than 6,700 new jobs. The financial sector, one of Jinan’s traditional strengths, employed about 3,000 new graduates last year.
Over the past five years, Jinan has invested a total of 350 million yuan in employment support funding and held 201 job-matching events. The city has also provided graduates with targeted assistance in skills training, social insurance, and hardship relief. Meanwhile, subsidies and special loans have been introduced to encourage enterprises to expand employment.
Jinan has continued to improve supporting services for housing, transportation, marriage, and childbearing. Tens of thousands of affordable housing units have been made available for young talent. Those who apply for talent transit cards can enjoy three years of free public transportation, while families with multiple children may apply for monthly special subsidies. These measures provide comprehensive support for young people to settle and develop in Jinan with greater peace of mind.