Inspire 1, an unmanned aerial vehicle model developed by Shenzhen DJI Technology Co. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The added value of China's high-tech manufacturing sector rose 10.4 percent in the first eight months of the year, outpacing industrial growth by 4.1 percentage points, according to a reform watchdog.

Innovation and mass entrepreneurship have played a major role in driving economic growth, said Lian Weiliang, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, at a media briefing on Wednesday.

Entrepreneurial passion has been ignited as policy support widens with added intellectual property protection and the establishment of industry guidance funds and incubators, said Lian.

The percentage of entrepreneurs among fresh graduates rose by nearly 100 percent in 2015, whereas 15 percent of overseas returnees chose to start their own businesses, according to data.

"Full-scale innovative reform has been rolled out in eight test areas, and the authority will strive to gather experience that can be copied and expanded to other regions," said Lian.