Core Viewpoint - The global lighthouse network initiative represents the highest level of intelligent manufacturing and digitalization in today's global manufacturing industry, with "lighthouse factories" serving as exemplary models for digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0, supported by policies at national and local levels for smart manufacturing upgrades and high-quality development [1]. Group 1: Trends in Lighthouse Factories - Trend 1: "The Stronger Get Stronger" - Companies that already possess "lighthouses" can rapidly deploy new digital use cases at scale due to their established production operation networks and systematic capabilities [2]. - Trend 2: AI Empowerment - The integration of analytical and generative AI in lighthouse factories has become more significant, enhancing value creation across the entire value chain, including asset management, resource management, quality management, workforce empowerment, product development, and supply chain planning [3]. - Trend 3: Internal and External Learning - Lighthouse factories learn from the successful experiences of other factories while also enhancing their internal capabilities for deploying digital and AI solutions, leading to long-term digital transformation [4]. Group 2: Lighthouse Factories in the Pharmaceutical Industry in China - There are currently 189 lighthouse factories globally, with 23 in the pharmaceutical and medical device sector, accounting for 12%. In the past two years, three new lighthouse factories in this sector have been certified in China [5]. - Case Study 1: Johnson & Johnson's Xi'an Factory - This factory, which serves the Chinese and Asian markets, has implemented advanced technologies to enhance agility, quality standards, and competitiveness, resulting in a 64% reduction in product transfer time, a 60% decrease in non-conforming products, a 40% increase in productivity, and a 24% reduction in operational costs [6][7]. - Case Study 2: AstraZeneca's Wuxi Factory - This factory has achieved a 55% increase in overall output, a 44% reduction in delivery cycles, and an 80% decrease in non-perfect batches through the deployment of over 30 digital use cases, including AI and computer vision [11]. - Case Study 3: GE Healthcare's Beijing Factory - This factory has successfully implemented 45 digital solutions, resulting in a 66% reduction in production cycles, a 66% decrease in scrap rates, and a 73% reduction in customer complaints [14]. Group 3: Insights for Chinese Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies - High-quality manufacturing is crucial for the sustainable development of Chinese pharmaceutical and medical device companies amid intense market competition and complex macro environments. The rapid development of AI presents new opportunities for enhancing production and supply chain performance [17]. - Recommendations for Chinese companies include: 1. Clarifying business value orientation to prioritize digital transformation areas with the highest return on investment [18]. 2. Deepening AI application by exploring deployment opportunities and ensuring data is systematically collected and governed [18]. 3. Restructuring organizations to enhance collaboration between business and digital teams, ensuring that digital transformation is business-driven [18].