For the first time in history, the industrialization rate of invention patents held by Chinese enterprises has surpassed the 50 percent mark, signaling a significant advancement in the nation’s innovation efforts. According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the rate reached 51.3 percent in 2023, reflecting a 3.2 percentage point increase from the previous year and marking a consistent upward trend over the past five years.
“This milestone demonstrates the growing capability of Chinese enterprises to transform innovative ideas into tangible products and services,” said Ge Shu, a senior official at the administration. “It highlights the effectiveness of our ongoing efforts to promote intellectual property utilization and industrial transformation.”
High-tech enterprises, in particular, have shown remarkable progress. The industrialization rate among state-level high-tech enterprises climbed to 57.6 percent in 2023, up 1.5 percentage points from the previous year. These enterprises are at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, playing a pivotal role in driving China’s economic growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
Enterprises serve as the primary source of China’s patent output and commercialization. Currently, Chinese enterprises hold over 70 percent of the nation’s effective invention patents, with the total number exceeding 3 million. This robust patent portfolio underscores the deepening commitment of businesses to research and development, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation.
However, challenges remain, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “Many SMEs still face obstacles in transforming patents into market-ready products and achieving industrialization,” Ge noted. Limited resources, insufficient funding, and lack of access to advanced technologies are among the hurdles these enterprises must overcome.
In response, the Chinese government has unveiled a new plan aimed at enhancing support measures for the industrialization of patents among SMEs. This initiative seeks to provide targeted assistance, including financial incentives, access to innovation platforms, and streamlined processes for patent commercialization.
“By empowering SMEs, we aim to unleash their potential for innovation and contribute to high-quality economic development,” Ge added. “Strengthening patent industrialization across all enterprise levels is essential for sustaining China’s momentum in technological advancement.”
The continued growth in patent industrialization reflects China’s broader strategic focus on innovation-driven development. As enterprises enhance their capabilities to bring inventions to market, they not only bolster their competitiveness but also contribute to addressing global challenges through technological solutions.
Reference(s):
China sees increased industrialized patents from enterprises
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