Jiangsu Province has taken a significant step in workforce 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 introducing dedicated professional titles for quantum information and the Internet of Things, building upon the existing 10 digital economy sub-specialties to address gaps in talent evaluation for emerging industries.
This expansion of professional titles is grounded in Jiangsu's robust industrial foundation. The province's quantum information industry has established a comprehensive full-chain layout, while its IoT sector leads the nation. Aligned with the directive to accelerate the development of talent evaluation standards for emerging vocational fields, Jiangsu adheres to the principle that talent assessment should follow industrial development wherever it leads. This initiative opens new career pathways for technical professionals in quantum information and IoT, playing a vital role in accelerating talent cultivation and enabling employers to conduct precise recruitment.
The newly established professional titles are structured across three levels—junior, intermediate, and senior—designed to align closely with specific segments of the industrial chain. The IoT specialty encompasses three major directions: perception and networking, platforms, 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 significantly reoriented toward core technologies, practical capabilities, and industrial contributions to enhance the prestige and value of these professional titles. Technical professionals who have achieved major breakthroughs in foundational research or cutting-edge technologies in the IoT and quantum information fields, resolved significant engineering challenges, or made substantial contributions are eligible for direct application to senior title review. This provision also extends to overseas high-level talent and urgently needed professionals introduced from abroad.
High-level technical professionals from private enterprises, as well as urgently needed and outstanding young talent, may directly apply for review at the corresponding level of professional title in accordance with regulations. Additionally, the new review processes incorporate supportive provisions for professionals working in remote and underdeveloped areas or at the grassroots frontline in IoT and quantum information engineering. Their work performance, professional capabilities, and years of grassroots service can serve as important references in recommendations and evaluations, with particular emphasis on dedication and tangible achievements. In these cases, requirements regarding education, seniority, research capabilities, and publications may be appropriately relaxed.
A noteworthy feature of both new professional qualification standards is their recognition of international intellectual property. Inventions that have received substantive examination and been officially granted patents by G20 member countries, Singapore, or the European Patent Office are now eligible for use in professional title applications. This provision effectively incorporates high-value overseas invention patents into the province's professional title review recognition system.
Pilot reviews will be conducted this year across selected cities, with Nanjing and Suzhou designated to pilot quantum information engineering professional title reviews, while Wuxi will serve as the pilot location for the IoT specialty.