China outlines strategic plans for SME support and intellectual property

China is advancing strategic planning for its upcoming “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan” period, focusing on industrial modernization and intellectual property (IP) development.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined key measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives include cultivating high-quality “specialized and innovative” enterprises, accelerating digital and intelligent transformations, and improving service systems to reduce costs. To strengthen the financial foundation for SMEs, the government plans to establish the second phase of the National SME Development Fund and enhance inclusive finance and listing support.

Concurrently, the State Council has issued the “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan for Intellectual Property Protection and Utilization.” The plan aims to build a world-class IP powerhouse by 2035. Key objectives include optimizing the legal environment for innovation, enhancing the conversion of IP into economic value, and improving comprehensive management systems. The plan also introduces 12 specialized projects, such as IP protection for strategic emerging industries and IP empowerment for artificial intelligence, while deepening international cooperation through initiatives like the “Belt and Road.”