With the intensification of global industrial competition and the ongoing transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing sector

new-quality productive forces have emerged as the core driving force of high-quality economic development. Taking Dongguan City as the research subject

this paper examines the key challenges in its development of new-quality productive forces. First

insufficient investment in research and development (R&D) constrains enterprises in technological innovation

product upgrading

and the shaping of core competitiveness

thereby impeding the optimal allocation of innovation resources and slowing down industrial upgrading. Second

the limited number and small scale of high-tech enterprises weaken both the cluster effects of industries and competitiveness in high-end segments of industrial chains

restricting the formation of a regional innovation ecosystem. Third

Dongguan's limited attractiveness to high-level talent

coupled with inadequate local training capacity

creates shortages in top-tier scientific resources

leading talents

and innovation teams. To address these issues

this study proposes targeted strategies: (1) increasing R&D investment and improving innovation-driven mechanisms; (2) expanding the number and scale of high-tech enterprises to enhance industrial clustering and competitiveness; (3) optimizing talent policies and strengthening research platforms to attract and cultivate high-level talent.