MIIT's "Open Call for Proposals": Tackling Core Technologies in Intelligent Manufacturing System Solutions

Implementation Notice for the 2024 "Open Call for Proposals" on Intelligent Manufacturing System Solutions

To implement the Action Plan for Digital Transformation in the Manufacturing Industry issued by the General Office of the State Council and advance the tasks outlined in the *14th Five-Year Plan for Intelligent Manufacturing Development*, we aim to build a "trinity" framework integrating smart factories, system solutions, and standardization systems, thereby creating an upgraded version of intelligent manufacturing. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) hereby jointly launch the 2024 "Open Call for Proposals" for intelligent manufacturing system solutions. The details are as follows:

I. Task Objectives

To address the digital transformation and intelligent upgrading needs of key industries such as raw materials, high-end equipment, consumer goods, and electronics, this initiative focuses on resolving bottlenecks in smart factory construction. It aims to identify and nurture specialized suppliers with core technologies, deep industry expertise, and industrial DNA. By strengthening integrated innovation in intelligent manufacturing equipment, industrial software, and systems, advancing the development and application of national and industry standards, and promoting advanced, independently controllable, and replicable intelligent manufacturing system solutions, the initiative will validate their practical application.

II. Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant Requirements:

   • Applicants must be enterprises or research institutions registered in China with independent legal status. Consortium applications are permitted.

   • The lead applicant must specialize in R&D, supply, or services for intelligent manufacturing system solutions. Entities leading 2023 "Open Call" projects cannot apply again until their projects are completed and accepted.

   • Applicants must demonstrate proven capabilities in technological innovation, implementation, and application of intelligent manufacturing solutions, including necessary facilities, personnel, and R&D/testing capacity. Successful case studies in relevant industries are required.

   • Applicants must commit to on-site evaluations, promote best practices, and have maintained good financial standing, credit records, and compliance with safety/environmental regulations over the past three years.

III. Implementation Process

1. Application Submission:

   • Applicants shall prepare the Project Proposal for Intelligent Manufacturing System Solutions "Open Call" (Attachment 1), specifying tasks and deliverables, and submit it online by November 13, 2024. Applicants are responsible for the authenticity of submitted materials and ensuring no disclosure of state or trade secrets.

2. Project Scope:

   • Each applicant may lead one project, covering up to three tasks under the "Open Call." Tasks must focus on specific industries (Attachment 2) and address typical intelligent manufacturing scenarios (see Reference Guide for Typical Intelligent Manufacturing Scenarios (2024 Edition)).

3. Recommendation Process:

   • Provincial industry and market regulatory authorities will organize local project recommendations. Each province may recommend up to 20 projects; municipalities and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps may recommend up to 5 projects. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating significant application value, market potential, and independently controllable technologies.

4. Review and Approval:

   • Recommending authorities shall complete online reviews by November 20, 2024, submit a prioritized recommendation list (Attachment 3), and send hard copies (with official seals) of proposals and the list to MIIT (Department of Equipment Industry I).

   • MIIT and SAMR will jointly select projects and publish the list of selected entities and tasks.

5. Project Execution and Evaluation:

   • Selected entities must complete tasks within 2 years and request acceptance reviews. MIIT and SAMR will conduct evaluations and promote successful outcomes.

   • Local authorities are encouraged to provide guidance and support to selected entities.

6. Platform:

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

Contact Information:

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

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

Technical Support:

• Institute of Instrumentation Technology and Economy, China Machinery Industry Federation

• Tel: +86-13121825939 / +86-13581998266

Attachments:

1. Project Proposal for Intelligent Manufacturing System Solutions "Open Call"

2. Key Industries for the "Open Call" on Intelligent Manufacturing System Solutions

3. Summary Table of Recommended Projects for the "Open Call"