Original Title: Notice of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Issuing the "Interim Measures for Promoting the Development of Specialized Industrial Clusters for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises"
MIIT Enterprise [2022] No. 119
To the competent authorities for small and medium-sized enterprises in all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, cities with separate planning status, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:
The "Interim Measures for Promoting the Development of Specialized Industrial Clusters for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises" are hereby issued to you. Please ensure strict compliance and implementation.
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
September 13, 2022
Interim Measures for Promoting the Development of Specialized Industrial Clusters of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1 These Measures are formulated to promote the high-quality development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to enhance the level of specialization, distinctiveness, and clustering of SME industrial clusters, in accordance with the "Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035," the "Opinions on Promoting Urbanization with County Towns as Key Carriers," and the "14th Five-Year Plan for Promoting the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises."
Article 2 For the purposes of these Measures, “specialized industrial clusters of small and medium-sized enterprises” (hereinafter referred to as “clusters”) refer to industrial clusters of small and medium-sized enterprises located within the administrative boundaries of a county, guided by the new development philosophy, with small and medium-sized enterprises as the main body, characterized by a focused leading industry, prominent advantages and distinctive features, the convergence of resources and factors, an efficient collaborative network, and sound governance and services, and possessing strong core competitiveness.
Article 3 The work of promoting clusters aims to enhance the core competitiveness of SMEs, stimulate the vitality of the county-level economy, and improve the resilience of industrial and supply chains as well as the supporting capabilities of key links. It adheres to the complete, accurate, and comprehensive implementation of the new development philosophy; combines government guidance with market-driven forces; integrates the cultivation of outstanding enterprises with the strengthening of industries; and combines dynamic management with targeted services.
Article 4 The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is responsible for providing macro-level guidance and overall coordination of cluster promotion efforts, promoting the introduction of supportive policies, issuing recognition standards, and conducting recognition, supervision, and evaluation work. The competent authorities for small and medium-sized enterprises in each province, autonomous region, municipality directly under the central government, city with independent planning status, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (hereinafter collectively referred to as “provincial-level SME authorities”) are responsible for cluster cultivation in their respective regions and shall assist the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in carrying out application acceptance, preliminary review, recommendation, monitoring, and other routine work related to clusters in their regions.
Article 5 The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shall establish a mechanism for dynamic management and tracking of clusters. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, approximately 200 clusters will be recognized nationwide, and local authorities will be guided and supported in fostering a group of provincial-level clusters.
Chapter II: Cultivation Requirements
Article 6 SME authorities at all levels shall focus on the following aspects in carrying out cluster cultivation work:
(1) Enhancing the competitive edge of the cluster’s leading industries. Precisely identify the cluster’s leading industries; strengthen, extend, and fill gaps in industrial chains in a targeted manner; facilitate the cluster’s collaborative network; enhance specialized supporting capabilities; strengthen quality and brand development; leverage the leading role of flagship enterprises; promote the coordinated development of large, medium, and small enterprises; strengthen the tiered cultivation of high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises; and support the cluster’s participation in the cultivation and construction of advanced manufacturing clusters.
(2) Stimulate innovation vitality within clusters. Establish multi-tiered cluster innovation platforms; integrate and open up innovation infrastructure and service resources; promote the establishment of stable innovation cooperation mechanisms between clusters and large enterprises, universities, and research institutes; carry out integrated innovation among large, medium, and small enterprises in leading industries, as well as collaborative innovation in generic technologies involving industry, academia, and research; and strengthen the utilization of intellectual property and the development of standards.
(3) Advance the digital transformation of clusters. Strengthen the construction of new-generation information infrastructure within clusters; establish and improve industrial internet security systems; promote the application of advanced safety and emergency response equipment; build resource-sharing and management platforms; and enhance the digital management capabilities of clusters. Guide cluster enterprises to utilize the Digital Transformation Guidelines and Evaluation Indicators for SMEs; promote smart manufacturing equipment, standards, and system solutions; deepen the integrated application of industrial internet and industrial software; and elevate the level of digital transformation.
(4) Accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of clusters. Optimize the energy consumption structure of clusters, promote the application of clean energy, carry out energy-saving retrofits and green and low-carbon technological upgrades, strengthen comprehensive resource utilization and pollution prevention and control, and improve the green manufacturing system.
(5) Deepen the cluster’s openness and cooperation. Support the cluster’s active participation in the “Belt and Road” Initiative; deepen cooperation in talent, technology, capital, and resources; participate in international cooperation mechanisms and exchange activities as a cluster; and establish a mechanism for preventing and controlling overseas security risks in trade and investment cooperation.
(6) Enhance cluster governance and service capabilities. Strengthen the development of public service systems for clusters, enrich service offerings, improve service quality, and reinforce service performance evaluations. Establish a cluster governance mechanism based on “consultation, joint construction, sharing, and mutual benefit,” and strengthen awareness of workplace safety and the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of small and medium-sized enterprises. Coordinate the planning of cluster development, formulate cluster cultivation plans, and clarify development goals and implementation measures.
Article 7: Provincial-level competent authorities for SMEs shall formulate and refine regional cluster development plans and special support policies, establish a cluster cultivation database, increase guidance, and strengthen services.
Article 8: SME authorities at all levels shall strengthen policy support for clusters in areas such as finance, banking, industry, innovation, land use, and talent development; ensure the effective implementation of various business-friendly policies; increase support for clusters participating in major projects; encourage various industrial investment funds to increase their investment in clusters; and foster a stable, fair, transparent, and predictable business environment.
Article 9: SME authorities at all levels shall fully leverage the roles of cluster management organizations, leading enterprises, business associations, professional institutions, public service demonstration platforms for SMEs at all levels, and demonstration bases for entrepreneurship and innovation among small and micro enterprises to continuously improve and enhance the cluster service system.
Article 10 Provincial-level competent authorities for SMEs shall promptly summarize the experiences and practices of clusters in enhancing innovation, services, digitalization, green development, and internationalization, as well as in promoting the coordinated development of industrial and supply chains, and shall publicize exemplary cluster practices and outstanding cluster brands.
Chapter III: Recognition Procedures
Article 11 The recognition of SME specialty industrial clusters shall adhere to the principles of voluntary application, openness and transparency, evaluation-driven development, continuous improvement, follow-up monitoring, and dynamic adjustment. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and provincial-level SME authorities shall share responsibilities, coordinate implementation, and advance the process in an orderly manner.
Article 12: Clusters applying for recognition shall be located within the administrative boundaries of a county-level division and must have already been recognized as provincial-level clusters (except for the first batch of applications). The competent authority for SMEs in the county (city, district) where the cluster is located shall serve as the applicant.
Article 13: Provincial-level SME authorities are responsible for accepting, conducting preliminary reviews, and performing on-site spot checks of cluster applications. Based on compliance with the recognition criteria (see Annex), they shall select and recommend the best candidates to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Article 14: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shall organize a re-examination (including on-site spot checks) of the application materials for clusters recommended by provincial-level SME authorities. It shall compile a list of clusters based on merit; those confirmed after public notice without objection shall be designated as “SME Specialized Industrial Clusters” and announced on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s official website.
Chapter IV Dynamic Management
Article 15: The validity period of a cluster is three years. Upon expiration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shall organize a re-evaluation and assess the cluster’s progress toward achieving the objectives of its three-year development plan. Clusters that pass the re-evaluation shall have their validity period extended by three years.
Article 16: Provincial-level SME authorities shall strengthen continuous monitoring of the implementation of cluster development plans, progress toward objectives, work experience, issues, and improvement measures. They shall also organize clusters to submit reports on their work activities from the previous year to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology by April 30 of each year. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shall organize supervision and evaluation and compile cluster development assessment reports.
Article 17: The designation of a recognized SME specialty industrial cluster shall be revoked if any of the following circumstances occur:
(1) Failure to apply for re-evaluation upon expiration of the validity period, or failure to pass the re-evaluation;
(2) Where false declarations are discovered or violations of laws and regulations are found;
(3) Failure to timely submit the annual cluster development report, or refusal to accept or cooperate with monitoring and supervision activities;
(4) Failure to promptly update and report major changes, such as alterations to the cluster’s leading industry, geographical scope, or operational management body;
(5) The cluster enterprises are involved in major or higher-level accidents related to safety, quality, or environmental pollution; major or higher-level cybersecurity or data security incidents; or engage in tax evasion, violations of laws and regulations, serious breaches of trust, or other major issues.
Chapter V Supplementary Provisions
Article 18 The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shall be responsible for interpreting these Measures.
Article 19 These Measures shall come into effect on September 13, 2022.
Annex: Criteria for the Recognition of Specialized Industrial Clusters of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (2022 Edition)
Appendix
Criteria for the Recognition of Specialized Industrial Clusters of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (2022 Edition)
The recognition of SME Specialized Industrial Clusters (hereinafter referred to as “Clusters”) must meet the following eight criteria. Additionally, enterprises within the Cluster must not have experienced any major or higher-level safety, quality, or environmental pollution incidents; major or higher-level cybersecurity or data security incidents; or acts of tax evasion, violations of laws and regulations, serious breaches of trust, or other major issues in the past three years.
I. Possess Strong Core Competitiveness
The cluster’s leading industry must be a pillar or distinctive industry of the county in which it is located, comply with national industrial policies and sectoral development plans, rank among the top nationally in its specific field, and possess high brand recognition. The cluster’s land area generally does not exceed 100 square kilometers; its output value has averaged over 4 billion yuan annually over the past three years; the output value of SMEs accounts for more than 70% of the cluster’s total output value; the leading industry constitutes more than 70% of the cluster’s total output value; and the average annual growth rate of output value exceeds 10%.
II. Significant Achievements in the Tiered Cultivation of High-Quality SMEs
The cluster continuously carries out tiered cultivation of high-quality SMEs, possessing no fewer than one "Single Champion" enterprise in the leading industry or a "Little Giant" enterprise among the Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative SMEs, or no fewer than 10 Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative SMEs, innovative SMEs, and national-level high-tech enterprises.
III. Efficient Collaboration in Industrial and Supply Chains
The cluster features a rational industrial chain layout, with relatively well-established mechanisms for integrated collaboration among upstream and downstream enterprises in production, supply, and sales. It has established sharing mechanisms for general-purpose production equipment, logistics, warehousing, human resources, and design, and possesses strong supporting capabilities at key points along the industrial chain.
IV. Strong Collaborative Innovation Capabilities
The cluster prioritizes sustained investment in R&D, with the annual average growth rate of R&D expenditure among SMEs exceeding 10% over the past three years; it has established a coordinated system of diverse innovation platforms, maintains close innovation partnerships with large enterprises, universities, and research institutes, and has well-developed mechanisms for integrated innovation among large, medium, and small enterprises as well as industry-academia-research collaboration; it actively participates in the formulation and revision of standards for leading industries; it has achieved breakthroughs in a number of key core technologies in leading industries, with an annual average growth rate of valid invention patents of no less than 15%, and a per capita ownership of valid invention patents of no less than 15 per 10,000 people.
V. Significant Achievements in Digital Transformation
The cluster boasts a high level of new information infrastructure development, with widespread application of digital equipment and systems, and the introduction of cross-enterprise digital solutions, assessment, and diagnostic services. The “Cloud Platform Adoption” initiative has yielded significant results, with an industrial internet platform adoption rate of no less than 15% and a steadily increasing industrial software adoption rate, achieving connectivity of critical production data across cluster enterprises. The cluster is exploring new digital models and business formats in its leading industries and has established a robust industrial internet security assurance system.
VI. High Level of Green Development
The cluster has a rational energy consumption structure, with carbon dioxide emission intensity continuously decreasing; resource utilization efficiency is high, and pollutant emission control is effective; a green and low-carbon service mechanism has been established. For clusters in high-energy-consuming industries, energy efficiency levels exceed industry benchmarks; for clusters in water-intensive industries, water efficiency levels exceed industry benchmarks.
VII. Active Participation in Industrial Opening-up and Cooperation
The cluster participates in international cooperation mechanisms or exchange activities related to its leading industries, engages in exchanges and cooperation in areas such as technology, management, talent, and capital, and promotes the rapid development of foreign trade in products and services through measures such as establishing overseas branches.
VIII. Strong Governance and Service Capabilities
The cluster establishes operational management bodies such as a management committee, and has established a comprehensive public service system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as a specialized mechanism to promote cluster development; ensures that policies promoting SME development are communicated and implemented to achieve full coverage within the cluster, guaranteeing that all eligible entities and individuals clearly understand and fully benefit from these policies; and, in accordance with Article 6 of Chapter II of these Measures, formulates a three-year development plan with clear and measurable development goals, as well as comprehensive, targeted, and practical implementation measures.
