New Era of Industrial Innovation to Strengthen Real Economy
In a recent briefing, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) outlined the achievements in new industrialization and consolidating the foundation of the real economy. With robust growth in key sectors like advanced manufacturing, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and emerging industries, China is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in modern industrial development.
Over the past five years, the MIIT has made substantial strides in both upgrading traditional industries and nurturing emerging sectors. Traditional industries have seen a rapid transformation, with over 230 smart factories and 1,260 5G-enabled factories built across the nation.
The rise of industrial robotics has been particularly notable, with China now accounting for over 50 percent of the global increase in industrial robot installations.
Emerging industries are becoming key drivers of China's industrial growth. The production and sales of NEVs surged to 13 million units in 2024, nearly 10 times the volume in 2020.
Similarly, China has cemented its position at the forefront of renewable energy, leading globally in solar and wind energy equipment production. It has also developed over 60 advanced manufacturing clusters in emerging sectors, bolstering its position as an innovation powerhouse. Significant investment has been made in future industries, focusing on areas such as quantum computing, space technology, and advanced materials.
Over 100 research and development tasks have been launched under the "Mission-Oriented Innovation" program, which focuses on groundbreaking technologies like superconducting quantum computers and laser manufacturing, ensuring that China remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements.
Integral to this success is the deep integration of scientific innovation with industrial growth. The MIIT has expanded the network of innovation centers, with 33 national-level manufacturing innovation hubs now operational. These centers have facilitated breakthroughs in nearly 700 critical technologies, enabling smoother transitions from research to industrial application.
Efforts have been ramped up to foster innovation in enterprises, with R&D spending now accounting for more than 75 percent of the country's total R&D expenditure.
China's technological and industrial landscape is evolving rapidly. The government is committed to strengthening the synergy between technological innovation and industrial upgrading.
Moving forward, the MIIT plans to accelerate the development of key core technologies, streamline innovation resource allocation, and continue to foster industries of the future. By fortifying these foundations, China is ensuring its leadership in the global industrial landscape, ready to embrace new opportunities in the digital and green economies.