Six Departments Launch Gradient Cultivation Initiative for Smart Factories, Establishing Four-Tier System

I. Establishing a Gradient Cultivation System for Smart Factories

In accordance with the Implementation Plan for Gradient Cultivation of Smart Factories and the Elements and Requirements for Gradient Cultivation of Smart Factories (Attachments 1 and 2), smart factories will be cultivated across four tiers: Basic, Advanced, Exemplary, and Pioneer. Specific arrangements include:

1. Basic-Level Smart Factories:

   • Manufacturing enterprises are encouraged to develop smart factory improvement plans based on the assessment results of intelligent manufacturing capability maturity. They shall conduct self-evaluation against the Basic-Level requirements.

2. Advanced-Level Smart Factories:

   • Provincial industry and information technology authorities, in collaboration with relevant departments, shall formulate local cultivation plans and support measures. Central enterprises shall develop group-level plans. Provincial authorities will organize evaluations and certifications for Advanced-Level smart factories and recommend qualified candidates for Exemplary-Level recognition.

3. Exemplary-Level Smart Factories:

   • The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), jointly with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Finance (MOF), State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), and National Data Administration (NDA), will lead the cultivation of Exemplary-Level smart factories.

4. Pioneer-Level Smart Factories:

   • Exemplary-Level smart factories with strong capabilities and willingness may apply for Pioneer-Level recognition. Recommendations shall be submitted by local authorities or central enterprises to MIIT and other departments. Construction will be guided by the National Intelligent Manufacturing Expert Committee.

II. 2024 Exemplary-Level Smart Factory Cultivation

(1) Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant Requirements:

   • Registered in China with independent legal status (branches of legal entities in industries such as petrochemicals and non-ferrous metals are permitted under special circumstances).

   • Must meet the Basic-Level requirements outlined in the Elements and Conditions for Gradient Cultivation of Smart Factories.

   • Must have completed smart factory construction with domestically leading intelligent manufacturing capabilities. Applicants should generally hold Advanced-Level certification and meet Exemplary-Level requirements.

   • Must commit to on-site inspections, technology promotion, and case study exchanges.

(2) Implementation Process

1. Application Submission:

   • Applicants shall prepare proposals based on the Reference Guide for Typical Intelligent Manufacturing Scenarios (2024 Edition) (MIIT Notice No. 361 [2024]) and the Elements for Gradient Cultivation, following the Exemplary-Level Smart Factory Application Material Checklist (Attachment 3). Submit online via the designated platform by November 22, 2024. Applicants are responsible for authenticity and confidentiality of materials.

2. Recommendation Process:

   • Local industry and information technology authorities, alongside development and reform, finance, state-owned assets, market regulation, and data authorities, will organize project recommendations. Central enterprises will recommend projects within their groups.

   • Provinces may recommend up to 20 projects; municipalities, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and central enterprises may recommend up to 5 projects.

3. Review and Submission:

   • Recommending bodies shall complete online reviews by November 29, 2024, submit a prioritized summary table (Attachment 4), and send stamped hard copies (consistent with online submissions) to MIIT (Department of Equipment Industry I). Central enterprises shall simultaneously submit to SASAC (Bureau of Science, Technology, and Innovation).

4. Evaluation and Promotion:

   • MIIT, jointly with NDRC, MOF, SASAC, SAMR, and NDA, will organize evaluations and promote Exemplary-Level smart factories.

5. Guidance and Support:

   • Local authorities and central enterprises are urged to strengthen tiered guidance, supervision, and policy support for smart factories.

6. Platform:

   • All processes (application, review, management, and evaluation) will be conducted via the Intelligent Manufacturing Data Resources Public Service Platform (https://www.miit-imps.com).

(3) Contact Information

• MIIT (Department of Equipment Industry I): +86-10-68205630

• NDRC (Department of Industrial Development): +86-10-68501694

• MOF (Department of Economic Development): +86-10-61965327

• SASAC (Bureau of Science, Technology, and Innovation): +86-10-63192535

• SAMR (Department of Standards and Technology): +86-10-82262927

• NDA (Department of Digital Economy): +86-10-89062332

Technical Support (Platform):

• China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT)

• Address: No. 52 Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing

• Tel: +86-18811445758 / +86-15010075395

Attachments:

1. Implementation Plan for Gradient Cultivation of Smart Factories

2. Elements and Requirements for Gradient Cultivation of Smart Factories

3. Exemplary-Level Smart Factory Application Material Checklist

4. Summary Table of Recommended Exemplary-Level Smart Factory Projects