The article focuses on taking a stock of progress in the replacement of old growth drivers by new ones along the Jiangsu Province’s section of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The paper examines the challenges and bottlenecks standing in the way of the transformation process. Building on that，the authors explore and propose pathways and mechanisms that may help accelerate the replacement of old growth drivers with new ones. The recommendations can inform decision-makers as they ponder how best to deliver high-quality development along the Yangtze River Economic Belt.