- China advances “AI + Manufacturing” strategy to boost industrial innovation and transformation.
- MIIT to launch policies promoting AI integration across major manufacturing sectors.
- Six-point plan focuses on AI-driven growth, security, and global collaboration.
China's primary industry regulator, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, announced it is formulating strategies to enhance the application of its "AI plus manufacturing" initiative, as the largest manufacturing nation seeks to fully utilize artificial intelligence to improve its vast industrial economy.
The strategy was revealed in a signed piece by MIIT Minister Li Lecheng in the Dangjian magazine released, detailing China's strategic path for technological advancement and industrial change.
Li stated that China will create a complete policy structure to promote the use of AI, which will include the upcoming release of implementation guidelines for the "AI + Manufacturing" initiative. These policies will focus on the intelligent transformation needs of vital industries, essential production processes, and strategic sectors, along with an AI application guide designed for manufacturing businesses.
Data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology indicates that the scale of China's core AI industry is expected to surpass 900 billion yuan ($126 billion) in 2024. Approved by over 5,000 AI businesses and more than 400 national-level AI "little giant" firms, innovative and specialized small and medium enterprises were acknowledged for their technical advancement.
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Anticipating the future, Li suggested a six-point strategic plan to promote AI-driven industrialization. This extensive framework includes speeding up advancements in fundamental technologies, enhancing AI integration in manufacturing, fostering competitive AI companies, improving the industrial development ecosystem, bolstering security governance measures, and broadening channels for international collaboration.
The combination of AI large language models with sophisticated machinery manufacturing, such as smart connected new-energy vehicles and machine tools, signifies another crucial area of focus. Moreover, the ministry aims to hasten the creation of AI agents throughout their entire life span — from conception and creation to evaluation and implementation — while investigating the possibilities of collaborative ecosystems involving multiple agents.