专精特新中小企业超14万家，工信部探索建设专精特新赋能中心

Core Insights - The development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is crucial for innovation, employment, and economic stability in China, with over 600,000 technology and innovation-oriented SMEs cultivated to date [1][2] - The "specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative" (专精特新) approach is being promoted to enhance the vitality and growth of SMEs, contributing significantly to the industrial sector [1][2] Group 1: Current Status of SMEs - As of 2024, the number of registered SMEs in China is expected to exceed 60 million, accounting for 99.9% of all enterprises, 84.3% of employment, and 78% of total assets [1] - SMEs have shown superior growth rates compared to large enterprises, with average annual growth rates of 6.4% in value-added, 7.4% in revenue, and 5.4% in profit [2] Group 2: Government Initiatives and Support - The establishment of the second phase of the National SME Development Fund has been approved, aimed at attracting more social capital to support the growth of early-stage SMEs [1] - The government is focusing on building national innovation platforms and specialized empowerment centers to enhance the innovation capabilities of SMEs [2] Group 3: AI and Digital Transformation - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has identified 238 typical application scenarios for AI to empower SMEs, focusing on optimizing business processes and innovating products and services [4] - The selected AI applications include 61 for smart hardware and 118 for smart software, highlighting the potential of AI in enhancing decision-making and automating complex tasks [4] Group 4: Financial Support and Capital Markets - The establishment of "specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative" boards has been announced, with 30 provinces and cities participating, facilitating financing for over 15,000 enterprises and raising more than 50 billion yuan [5] - The ongoing development of these boards is expected to enhance the multi-tiered capital market and improve the financing support system for SMEs [5]