Eight Departments Launch “Artificial Intelligence + Manufacturing” Special Action

The initiative emphasizes coordinated advancement of intelligent chip hardware and software, targeting breakthroughs in high‑end training chips, edge inference chips, artificial intelligence servers, high‑speed interconnects, and intelligent computing cloud operating systems. It also calls for accelerated integration of AI into core industrial equipment and robotics, the development of a new generation of AI‑enabled numerical control systems, and enhancements in autonomous decision‑making, analysis and execution capabilities. The plan further prioritizes the industrialization and commercialization of new terminal devices for key scenarios such as industrial inspection and remote healthcare, including AR/VR wearable devices and brain‑computer interfaces.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, together with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission and five other central bodies, recently issued the Implementation Opinions on the “Artificial Intelligence + Manufacturing” Special Action (the Opinions). The document sets a development objective to achieve secure and reliable supply of core AI technologies and to position China among the world leaders in industry scale and empowerment levels by 2027. This policy marks a substantive shift from planning to implementation in the deep integration of artificial intelligence and manufacturing, aiming to comprehensively and deeply empower a new phase of industrialization.

The Opinions present a clear roadmap for integrating AI with manufacturing. By 2027, the plan seeks to promote the deep application of three to five general large models within manufacturing, establish specialized and comprehensive industry models, create 100 high‑quality industrial datasets and scale 500 representative application scenarios. The initiative aims to cultivate two to three globally influential ecosystem‑leading enterprises, a cohort of specialized and innovative small and medium enterprises, and a range of application service providers with both industrial expertise and AI proficiency. The target also includes selecting 1,000 benchmark enterprises, building a globally leading open‑source ecosystem and strengthening safety governance capabilities to contribute a Chinese approach to global AI‑manufacturing integration.

To consolidate the foundational capabilities for AI empowerment, the Opinions launch an “Innovation Foundation” program that reinforces supply across three core elements: computing power, models and data. On computing power, the plan promotes coordinated development of intelligent chips and seeks breakthroughs in high‑end training chips, edge inference chips, AI servers, high‑speed interconnects and intelligent computing cloud operating systems. It calls for orderly deployment of advanced intelligent computing facilities, construction of interconnected computing platforms and enhancement of computing resource supply. In model development, support will be provided for high‑performance algorithm models tailored to manufacturing needs, cultivation of industry‑specific large models, and the development of a cloud‑edge‑terminal model architecture that encourages collaboration between large and small models and the creation of compact models for specific industrial scenarios. On data governance, the “Model‑Data Resonance” initiative will promote establishment of chief data officer roles within enterprises, issue guidelines for building high‑quality manufacturing datasets, and convert basic data into industry datasets to address the problem of data silos.

Regarding high‑value application promotion, the Opinions require accelerated AI enablement across raw materials, equipment manufacturing, consumer goods, electronic information, software and IT services, and the rapid dissemination of benchmark solutions and best practices. Leading enterprises and state‑owned firms are encouraged to pilot large‑scale applications and to explore new AI‑enabled manufacturing models. The document also mandates a focused program to digitally empower small and medium enterprises, supporting their digital and intelligent upgrades and accelerating replication and scaling of AI applications among SMEs.

To foster intelligent products and new business models, the Opinions set out a “Product Breakthrough” agenda that accelerates AI integration into core industrial machines and robots, advances the development of next‑generation AI numerical control systems, and improves autonomous decision‑making, analysis and execution functions. The plan promotes development of surgical robots and intelligent diagnostic systems, accelerating innovation and clinical adoption of smart medical equipment. It also calls for integrating AI into major technical equipment such as large aircraft and ships, advancing intelligent low‑altitude systems including drones, and conducting testing and safety evaluations for intelligent connected vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities while progressing product access and road‑trial pilots in an orderly manner.

The Opinions further support breakthroughs in edge models and application toolchains and encourage cultivation of AI terminals such as smartphones, computers, tablets and smart home devices. Emphasis is placed on priority scenarios including industrial inspection and remote healthcare, with measures to accelerate the industrialization and commercialization of AR/VR wearable devices and brain‑computer interfaces.

The document sets requirements across four pillars—main body cultivation, ecosystem expansion, safety assurance and international cooperation—to ensure effective implementation. It proposes tiered cultivation of ecosystem leaders and specialized AI “little giant” enterprises, the establishment of national manufacturing innovation centers and key laboratories, and the development of high‑quality application service providers. Ecosystem building will emphasize standards leadership, open‑source development, cultivation of multidisciplinary talent and optimized allocation of industrial resources. Safety measures will focus on advancing AI security technologies, establishing classified governance mechanisms and strengthening application‑level defenses. In international cooperation, the plan encourages high‑quality outward expansion of competitive industries, active participation in multilateral and bilateral AI discussions, hosting of high‑end exhibitions and conferences, and the shaping of new advantages in global collaboration and competition.

To ensure the Opinions are implemented effectively, a coordinated mechanism for interdepartmental cooperation and central‑local linkage has been established, integrating existing funding channels, leveraging the National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund and launching large‑scale demonstration projects for new technologies, products and scenarios.

Wu Yin, Professor at the School of Economics and Director of the Institute of Political Economy at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, told Shanghai Securities News that the Opinions will unlock the multiplier effects of China’s comprehensive industrial system and AI industry strengths. With a full‑chain design and a promotion model centered on innovation, scenario‑driven pilots and market orientation, the policy is expected to stimulate corporate innovation and accelerate the transition of manufacturing from experience‑driven practices to data‑intelligence‑driven operations. As the measures are implemented, China’s manufacturing sector is positioned to gain stronger support for new industrialization and to secure a competitive advantage in global manufacturing.