In September 2023, during his research trip to Heilongjiang, President Xi Jinping introduced the concept of "new productive forces," emphasizing the need to promote high-quality development in manufacturing through technological innovation, accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and advance the development of strategic emerging industries. This concept offers a new direction for various industries, especially in urban planning and construction, providing a solution to challenges such as talent loss and industry decline.

At the 2024 Hebei International Industrial Design Week, during the keynote speech, Shen Lei, Chief Engineer of the China Academy of Urban Science and Technology, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Director of the Urban and Rural Development and Planning Innovation Research Center at Zhejiang University, explored the application of new productive forces in urban planning and construction. He proposed the "Chief Planner Model." This model, as a key to industry transformation, aims to coordinate various aspects of planning and construction through advanced management experience, ensuring effective implementation of urban plans. Shen emphasized that the high-quality development of cities requires strong top-level design and grassroots infrastructure cooperation to achieve overall coordination, resource integration, and the enhancement of city value and uniqueness.

The "Chief Planner Model" is based on an administrative + technical "1+1" mechanism and relies on the two-pronged approach of "focusing on both ends, managing the middle," establishing three core systems (planning, management, and implementation systems), four notable features (a continuous planning research platform, a dynamic management implementation platform, an open resource integration platform, and an overall urban development platform), and five key functions (planning construction, technical supervision, technical coordination, public education, and resource exploration and strategic clarification). The combined effect of these systems and functions enables the model to achieve resource discovery, strategic clarification, and the highlighting of urban features, ultimately enhancing the overall value of cities.

Shen Lei also shared his practical experiences from Jiaxing and the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone. For example, in the "Centennial of the Founding of the Party" project in Jiaxing, he integrated the city's unique waterway resources into the urban plan, creating a "Nine Waters Linked, Nine Regions United" urban structure. This design formed a city with a deep cultural heritage and modern atmosphere, improving both the ecological environment and living quality. In the planning of the Jiaxing section of the Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integration Development Demonstration Zone, Shen's team incorporated the region's water town landscape and ancient town culture, using ecological and low-carbon design principles to create a park that integrates modern technology with rural charm, achieving zero-carbon emissions and promoting green, low-carbon development.

Professor Shen's case studies demonstrate the significant potential of the "Chief Planner Model" under the drive of new productive forces. This model not only addresses the disconnect between planning and implementation but also drives cities toward more ecological, green, and low-carbon development. Looking ahead, it is hoped that more planners will adopt this model to contribute wisdom and strength to sustainable urban development.