Jiangsu Province's Department of Human Resources and Social Security has issued a notice to introduce professional title evaluations for two new digital economy fields—quantum information and the Internet of Things. This move expands upon the existing ten digital economy sub-sectors, seeking to close the evaluation gap for talent in emerging industries.
The addition of these titles is deeply rooted in Jiangsu's strong industrial base. Currently, the province's quantum information industry has developed a comprehensive, full-chain layout, while its IoT sector leads the nation. Guided by the principle of "accelerating the development of talent evaluation standards for emerging professions," Jiangsu is committed to ensuring that talent evaluation keeps pace with industrial growth. This initiative opens new career pathways for technical professionals in quantum information and IoT, significantly boosting talent cultivation and helping employers make more precise recruitment decisions.
Both new title categories are structured into three levels—junior, intermediate, and senior—aligned with distinct segments of the industrial chain. The IoT specialty covers three main directions: sensor networking, platform development, and application engineering. Meanwhile, quantum information is subdivided into five domains: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum precision measurement and sensing, quantum materials and devices, and quantum security.
The evaluation criteria now place substantial emphasis on core technical skills, practical capabilities, and contributions to the industry, enhancing the value and recognition of these titles. Professionals who achieve major breakthroughs in fundamental research or frontier technologies, solve significant engineering challenges, or make outstanding contributions in the IoT and quantum information sectors will qualify for direct application to senior title review. This direct pathway also extends to high-level overseas talent and urgently needed specialists brought into the province.
Furthermore, high-level technical professionals from private enterprises, along with urgently needed and exceptionally talented young individuals, are eligible to apply directly for review at the corresponding title level, as per regulations. The new evaluation schemes also show preferential treatment for professionals working in remote, underdeveloped areas and at the grassroots level in IoT and quantum information engineering. For these candidates, work performance, practical abilities, and years of grassroots experience are considered key factors in recommendations and assessments. The process is designed to give due weight to a professional's dedication and achievements, while appropriately relaxing requirements for academic qualifications, seniority, research capabilities, and published papers.
A noteworthy feature of both qualification frameworks is the explicit acceptance of invention patents granted through substantive examination by G20 member states, Singapore, or the European Patent Office (EPO) for title applications. This inclusion means that high-value overseas invention patents are now formally recognized within the professional title evaluation system.
This year, Jiangsu intends to conduct trial evaluations, with Nanjing and Suzhou selected as pilot cities for the quantum information engineering title review. For the IoT specialty, Wuxi has been designated as the pilot city for the initial rollout.