Jiangsu Province has taken a significant step forward in talent development by adding two new professional title categories for the digital economy sector. The provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security recently issued a notice establishing professional title tracks for quantum information and the Internet of Things (IoT), expanding the existing lineup of 10 digital economy sub-specialties to address gaps in talent evaluation for emerging industries.
This move is built on Jiangsu's robust industrial foundation. The province has already developed a complete industrial chain in quantum information, while its IoT sector leads the nation. Following the directive to accelerate the development of talent evaluation standards for emerging vocational fields, Jiangsu is adhering to the principle that "talent evaluation should follow wherever industry develops." This initiative opens new career pathways for technical professionals in quantum information and IoT, playing a vital role in accelerating talent cultivation and enabling more precise recruitment for employers.
The newly introduced titles are structured across three levels—junior, intermediate, and senior—closely aligning with the specialized segments of the industrial chain. The IoT specialty encompasses three major directions: perception and networking, platform development, and application engineering. Meanwhile, quantum information is subdivided into five key areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum precision measurement and sensing, quantum materials and devices, and quantum security.
Evaluation criteria have been substantially refocused toward core technologies, practical capabilities, and industry contributions, enhancing the value and credibility of these titles. Technical professionals who achieve major breakthroughs in foundational research or cutting-edge technologies, solve significant engineering challenges, or make substantial contributions in the IoT and quantum information fields may directly apply for senior title evaluation. This also applies to high-level overseas talent and urgently needed professionals. Additionally, senior technical talent in private enterprises, professionals in critical demand, and outstanding young talent can directly apply for evaluation at the appropriate title level according to regulations.
The new evaluation processes also show consideration for professionals working in remote and underdeveloped areas, as well as those on the front lines of grassroots IoT and quantum information engineering. For these individuals, work performance, professional capabilities, and years of grassroots service can serve as important references for recommendation and evaluation. The system places greater emphasis on dedication and practical achievements while appropriately relaxing requirements related to academic qualifications, professional experience, research capabilities, and published papers.
A notable feature of both new professional qualification standards is their international recognition component. Inventions that have received substantive examination approval and formal patent grants from G20 member countries, Singapore, or the European Patent Office can now be used for title applications. This move incorporates high-value overseas invention patents into the professional title evaluation recognition system.
This year, Jiangsu will conduct pilot evaluations, with Nanjing and Suzhou selected as pilot cities for quantum information engineering professional titles, while Wuxi will serve as the pilot city for IoT-related titles.