To advance the construction of Hefei as a pilot city for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), coordinate resources to optimize supply, drive innovation and transformation among SMEs through digital transformation, foster the emergence of a cohort of specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative SMEs, and generate more new-quality productive forces through accelerated digital transformation and innovation practices, this policy is formulated in accordance with the actual conditions of our city.
I. Encouraging the Enhancement of Digital Capabilities. For pilot enterprises that complete digital transformation in 2024 and achieve Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 in the SME digital capability assessment, a one-time subsidy of up to 300,000 yuan, 400,000 yuan, or 500,000 yuan, respectively, will be provided, not exceeding 50% of the enterprise’s investment in digital transformation;For pilot enterprises that complete digital transformation in 2025 and achieve Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 in the SME digitalization assessment, one-time subsidies of up to 300,000 yuan, 400,000 yuan, and 500,000 yuan, respectively, will be provided, not exceeding 40% of the enterprise’s digital transformation investment. Digital transformation investment refers to expenditures incurred by the enterprise during the digital transformation process for purchasing software related to digital transformation, cloud services, and necessary data collection and transmission equipment such as gateways and routers. The provisions of this policy will be implemented in batches.
II. Support for Technological Upgrades. Support enterprises in enhancing the quality and efficiency of their digital transformation through technological upgrades. For industrial enterprises above designated size with technological upgrade project investments of 5 million yuan or more, a subsidy of up to 20 million yuan will be provided, equivalent to 15% of the investment in production equipment.
III. Promoting the Development of Leading Enterprises. Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accelerating their transformation and upgrading through digital transformation, and guide enterprises to pursue a path of specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative development. A one-time reward of up to 200,000 yuan will be granted to newly designated provincial-level specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative SMEs. For newly designated national-level “Single Champion” enterprises and “Little Giant” enterprises under the specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative initiative, rewards of up to 1.5 million yuan and 1 million yuan, respectively, will be granted based on 50% of the portion by which their economic indicators for the year exceed the citywide average growth rate.
IV. Enhancing Service Provision Capabilities. Leverage the industrial internet to empower the digital transformation of SMEs. Industrial internet solution providers that serve 20 or more enterprises within the jurisdiction annually, with service revenue from this segment not less than 5 million yuan, will receive a subsidy of up to 1 million yuan, calculated as a percentage of that service revenue not exceeding 10%.
V. Promoting the Software Industry. We will solidify the foundation for the digital transformation of SMEs and foster a cluster of software enterprises dedicated to supporting digital transformation, while encouraging investment in the establishment of software enterprises and software parks. Newly established software enterprises will receive rewards of up to 1 million yuan, tiered based on the number of employees paying social insurance in Hefei and their operating revenue. Software park operators recognized at the municipal level will receive one-time subsidies of up to 3 million yuan for investment attraction and operational expenses, also on a tiered basis.
VI. Accelerating “Chain-based” Transformation of Enterprises. Pilot enterprises in selected industries that are included in the national “chain-based” digital transformation case studies for SMEs will receive a one-time reward of up to 200,000 yuan.
VII. Strengthen Financial Support. Reduce financing costs for SMEs implementing digital transformation. For eligible pilot enterprises that obtain loans through “government-backed credit” products, provide an interest subsidy of 50% of the interest paid, up to a maximum of 500,000 yuan.
VIII. Foster the development of digital talent. Through government procurement of services, provide digital talent training services to pilot enterprises; service providers will receive a subsidy of up to 500 yuan per trainee.
IX. Conduct assessments of transformation outcomes. Through government procurement of services, carry out acceptance inspections of pilot enterprises’ digital transformation projects and evaluations of SMEs’ digital capabilities, providing service providers with subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan per enterprise.
The special fund is subject to total volume control and supports pilot industries such as automotive parts and accessories manufacturing, household electrical appliance manufacturing, power transmission, distribution, and control equipment manufacturing, electronic device manufacturing, and electronic component and specialized material manufacturing. For the same project, pilot enterprises will be supported in accordance with the principle of selecting the higher amount without duplication when compared to similar municipal-level policies.
The Hefei Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, in conjunction with the Hefei Municipal Finance Bureau, shall formulate specific implementation rules. Provisions in this policy that reference existing policies shall be implemented in accordance with the policies and implementation rules in effect for the current year. Counties (cities), districts, and development zones with the necessary conditions are encouraged to formulate policies based on local conditions and provide additional or complementary incentives.
This policy shall take effect on January 1, 2024, and remain valid for two years. The Hefei Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology shall be responsible for its interpretation. Should relevant policy provisions be adjusted during the implementation period, such adjustments shall prevail.
