科技型中小企业首次纳入优质中小企业梯度培育范围

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued a revised management method for cultivating high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expanding the scope to include technology-based SMEs, which will be implemented from April 1, 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Expansion of Cultivation Scope - The revised method includes technology and innovation-based SMEs, specialized and innovative SMEs, and "little giant" enterprises as part of the high-quality SME cultivation framework [1]. - Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, 17,600 specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises have been cultivated, leading to over 140,000 specialized and innovative SMEs and more than 600,000 technology and innovation-based SMEs [1]. Group 2: Optimization of Recognition Standards - The revised method raises the threshold for recognition, increasing requirements for operating income, R&D investment, and intellectual property. For example, "little giant" enterprises must have operating income above 50 million yuan and R&D expenses totaling no less than 12 million yuan over the past two years [2]. - The method introduces a proactive discovery mechanism to identify potential high-quality SMEs through data related to supply chains, equity investments, intellectual property, awards, and talent cultivation [1][2]. Group 3: Strengthening Process Management - The revised method standardizes local review processes and promotes a "double random" review mechanism, ensuring that expert groups include industry and financial experts [2]. - It clarifies specific circumstances for direct cancellation of recognition and allows companies that have rectified issues to reapply without the three-year restriction [2]. Group 4: Support Policies - The method encourages local SME authorities to effectively utilize financial, technological, and talent support policies, providing tailored services based on different enterprise characteristics [2]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will continue to optimize the cultivation, service, and management of high-quality SMEs, supporting their specialized and innovative development [2].