Yan'an City Innovation and Development Doubling Plan for Technology-Based Enterprises

To thoroughly implement the innovation-driven development strategy, further support the rapid growth of science and technology enterprises in our city, achieve a doubling of scale and enhanced efficiency, and accelerate the construction of the Qinchuangyuan (Yan’an) Innovation Promotion Center, this plan is hereby formulated in accordance with the “Notice of the General Office of the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province on Issuing the Innovation and Development Doubling Plan for Science and Technology Enterprises” (Shaanxi Government Office Document [2022] No. 9).

I. Work Approach and Objectives

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the important speeches and instructions delivered during the inspection tour of Shaanxi, this plan is driven by the need to strengthen the leading role of technology-based enterprises in innovation. It is oriented toward cultivating technology-based enterprises with strong R&D capabilities, high technical standards, a concentration of scientific and technological talent, and the ability to develop core technological products. The objective is to promote the growth of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into high-tech enterprises, enterprises above a certain scale, “specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative” SMEs, and listed companies. Through a multi-pronged approach, the plan aims to support the development and expansion of technology-based SMEs and high-tech enterprises,accelerate the cultivation of a group of listed companies, and strive to create a development landscape where technology-based SMEs are ubiquitous and technology-based leading enterprises are prominent.

By the end of 2024, the number of technology-based SMEs, high-tech enterprises, and among them, enterprises above a certain scale and "Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative" enterprises will more than double compared to the end of 2021.Specifically: the number of technology-based SMEs will reach 500, 800, and 1,000, respectively; the number of high-tech enterprises will exceed 120, 200, and 300, respectively; and among these, the number of technology-based enterprises above a certain scale will be no fewer than 50, 80, and 100, respectively;Strive to achieve a breakthrough in the number of "Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative" (SRUI) "Little Giant" enterprises and manufacturing single-champion enterprises by the end of 2024; reach 15 provincial-level SRUI SMEs and 20 municipal-level SRUI SMEs; add 1 new technology-based listed company; increase the number of enterprises listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board of the Shaanxi Equity Exchange Center to 30; and establish 15 new enterprises with R&D capabilities.

II. Implementation Path

Support and Cultivate a Group of Enterprises. With local SMEs as the main body, we will increase policy support in areas such as technology, projects, finance, talent, innovation, and services to guide enterprises in increasing R&D investment, enhancing innovation capabilities, and achieving sustainable development. Luochuan County, Yichuan County, and Yanchang County will focus primarily on the apple industry; Ganquan County and Yanchuan County will focus primarily on the processing of minor grains; and Wuqi County, Zhidan County, and Ansai District will focus primarily on the oil and gas technical services sector to cultivate a group of technology-based enterprises.

Incubate a batch of technology-based enterprises. Fully leverage innovation and entrepreneurship platforms such as the city’s innovation and entrepreneurship demonstration bases and co-working spaces. With the Qinchuangyuan (Yan’an) Innovation Promotion Center as the main hub, establish pilot production bases to strengthen the linkage between “demand, outcomes, and enterprises.” Baota District and Yanchuan County will focus primarily on digital cities and smart tourism industries; Yan’an High-Tech Zone will focus on the network information technology industry; and Yan’an New District will focus on the digital economy, new economy, and healthcare and wellness industries to incubate a batch of technology-based enterprises.

Attract and establish a batch of enterprises. All counties (cities, districts) and administrative committees will intensify investment promotion efforts in line with the needs of Yan’an’s industrial and innovation chains, and actively support local businesspeople returning to their hometowns to establish technology-based enterprises.Yan’an High-Tech Zone, Ansai District, and Baota District have primarily focused on equipment manufacturing, emergency response industries, biopharmaceuticals, new materials, and energy storage and supporting industries; Zichang City, Ansai District, and Huanglong County have primarily focused on new energy development and supporting industries; and Fu County, Yanchang County, Wuqi County, Zhidan County, and Huangling County have primarily focused on deep processing in the energy and chemical industries to attract a number of technology-based enterprises.

Establish a number of joint ventures with business partners.Support municipal state-owned enterprises in actively collaborating with technology-based enterprises outside the city, based on their core businesses and the actual needs of the city’s industrial development. Enterprises such as the Yan’an Energy and Chemical Group, Yan’an Water and Environmental Protection Group, Yan’an Tourism Group, Yan’an Agricultural Investment and Construction Group, and Yan’an Oil and Gas Testing Group will focus primarily on integrated oil, coal, and gas utilization, new energy industry development, environmental testing, modern agriculture, and revolutionary tourism. Through equity partnerships and strategic investments, they will jointly establish a number of mixed-ownership enterprises with strong technological innovation capabilities.

III. Key Tasks

(1) Implementing the “Reaching New Heights” Project for Technology-Based Enterprises

1. Promote the growth of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises into high-tech enterprises. All counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees shall cultivate high-tech enterprises in accordance with the national “Measures for the Administration of High-Tech Enterprise Certification,” evaluating enterprises based on indicators such as technological fields, intellectual property, R&D investment, and technology commercialization.(Municipal Science and Technology Bureau) A reward of 200,000 yuan will be granted to newly recruited and established high-tech enterprises that are certified for the first time. A reward of 50,000 yuan will be granted to high-tech enterprises that have renewed their certification upon expiration. [Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and Administrative Committees] Support technology-based enterprises in applying for provincial and municipal science and technology programs, technical renovation projects, and other relevant initiatives. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau)

2. Support technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in increasing their R&D investment. Allocate dedicated funds within the municipal key R&D program to support the R&D activities of technology-based SMEs. Guide enterprises in applying for provincial R&D special projects for technology-based SMEs, and support eligible technology-based SMEs in undertaking provincial and national science and technology tasks.(Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology) Establish a post-subsidy mechanism for corporate R&D expenditures. While enterprises enjoy the policy of additional tax deductions for R&D expenses, provide a 5% reward on their R&D investment (up to 200,000 yuan annually) based on R&D expenditure data provided by tax authorities.(Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau) Incorporate R&D investment and growth rates of technology-based enterprises as core evaluation indicators for provincial-level high-tech zones and county-level industrial parks, thereby incentivizing and guiding enterprises to continuously increase their R&D investment. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau)

3. Launch the “Doubling” Initiative for the Base of Technology-Based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees shall, in accordance with the national “Evaluation Measures for Technology-Based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” guide enterprises to improve indicators such as R&D investment, scientific and technical personnel, and scientific and technological achievements, and evaluate them for inclusion in the registry as technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau) Technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises that pass the evaluation and are included in the registry for five consecutive years, and are filed with the national authorities, will receive a 20,000 yuan reward in the first year, with an additional 30,000 yuan reward for remaining in the registry for five consecutive years, for a total reward of 50,000 yuan.[Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, Governments of All Counties (Cities, Districts), and Administrative Committees] Fully implement tax preferential policies regarding the additional deduction ratio for R&D expenses of technology-based SMEs. For expenses that do not result in intangible assets, in addition to the actual deduction, an additional 100% of the actual amount incurred may be deducted before taxation; for expenses that result in intangible assets, 200% of the cost of the intangible assets may be amortized before taxation.For high-tech enterprises receiving key national support, corporate income tax shall be levied at a reduced rate of 15%. (Municipal Taxation Bureau) Attract a group of technology-based enterprises with strong growth potential to establish operations in Yan’an, and recognize outstanding investment promotion teams and individuals. [Municipal Investment Promotion Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees]

4. Promote comprehensive coverage of incubation facility development. Support county-level industrial parks in building municipal-level innovation platforms; guide enterprises with mature conditions to establish incubation facilities and gradually cultivate them into provincial-level incubation facilities; support the construction of the National Small and Micro Enterprise Entrepreneurship and Innovation Demonstration Base in the Yan’an High-Tech Zone; and designate the Ansai High-Tech Zone as a provincial-level small and micro enterprise entrepreneurship and innovation base.(Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau) Promote the establishment of university science and technology parks in Yan’an by universities both within and outside the province, guide the aggregation of more innovation resources within these parks, and facilitate the local transfer and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Education Bureau)

5. Promote the “high-quality” output of research achievements and patents. Launch the “Spring Rain Nurturing Seedlings” special tax service campaign. (Municipal Taxation Bureau) Encourage and guide regional, industrial, and corporate entities to conduct patent navigation; organize the “Yan’an University-Enterprise High-Value Patent Cultivation Competition”; and recommend outstanding projects to participate in the “Qinchuangyuan High-Value Patent Competition” to foster the cultivation and strategic deployment of high-value patents in key industries.(Municipal Market Regulation Bureau) Local small, medium, and micro enterprises that acquire patent technologies from universities, research institutes, or state-owned enterprises may receive funding, with the amount generally not exceeding 30% of the total transaction value of the patent technology and capped at 500,000 yuan. [Municipal Market Regulation Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees]

(2) Implement the “Upgrading to Scale” Project for Technology-Based Enterprises

6. Support technology-based enterprises in growing into enterprises above designated size. Focusing on key industrial chains, cultivate technology-based enterprises with development potential as candidates for enterprises above designated size.For industrial enterprises newly included in the statistical reporting system for enterprises above designated size in the current year, and for service sector enterprises newly included in the statistical reporting system for enterprises above designated size, rewards shall be granted in accordance with the standards set forth in the “Implementation Opinions on the Cultivation and Incentives for ‘Five Above’ Enterprises” (Yan Zheng Ban Fa [2021] No. 18). [Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Finance Bureau, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Governments of All Counties (Cities, Districts), and Administrative Committees]

7. Guide the coordinated development of industrial and innovation chains. Implement the “chain leader system” for key industrial chains, with municipal-level leaders serving as “chain leaders,” and establish a working mechanism featuring “one municipal-level leader, one lead department, one dedicated task force, one work plan, and one set of support policies.”(Municipal Development and Reform Commission) Focusing on municipal-level key industrial chains, support “chain-leading” enterprises in collaborating with upstream and downstream enterprises to establish new R&D institutions and science and technology innovation platforms, guide the integrated development of industrial and innovation chains, optimize the layout of municipal-level science and technology innovation platforms, and enhance the development level and competitiveness of our city’s key industrial chains. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Development and Reform Commission)

8. Strengthen innovation supply for science and technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises. Focusing on key technological needs in priority industrial chains and sectors such as high-end energy and chemical industries and non-energy manufacturing, implement the “Key Industrial Innovation Chain” R&D program. Projects included in municipal-level or higher plans will receive matching funding support equivalent to 50% of the total project investment (up to a maximum of 1 million yuan) to conduct research on key generic technologies and product development, and to promote the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements.[Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Development and Reform Commission, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees] Fully leverage the leading role of technology transfer centers at universities within and outside the province, as well as provincial-level technology transfer demonstration institutions. Implement post-evaluation subsidy policies for municipal-level technology transfer demonstration institutions, cultivate a group of high-level technology managers, enhance technology transaction service capabilities, and promote the effective integration of innovation chains from universities and research institutes with local industrial chains. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau)

9. Implement digital empowerment for science and technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises. Accelerate the development of the big data industry, promote the integration of big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) with industry, encourage manufacturing enterprises to “migrate to the cloud and platforms,” and promote the application of low-cost, modular industrial internet devices and systems. Enterprises that pass the national or provincial “Two Integrations” management system certification and obtain certificates will be rewarded with 100,000 yuan and 50,000 yuan, respectively.Information technology service enterprises that achieve annual sales revenue of 100 million yuan for the first time will receive a one-time reward of 300,000 yuan. [Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Cyberspace Administration Office, Municipal Finance Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees]

(3) Implement the “Upgrading” Project for Technology-Based Enterprises

10. Accelerate the cultivation of “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” (SRUI) SMEs. Establish a cultivation database for SRUI SMEs and implement dynamic management.Municipal and county-level authorities will coordinate to strengthen support, guidance, and services, giving priority to “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” SMEs for cultivation and support under equal conditions. A one-time reward of 200,000 yuan and 100,000 yuan will be granted to provincial-level and municipal-level “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” SMEs newly recognized, respectively. [Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Finance Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees]

11. Strengthen the cultivation and leading role of “Little Giant” enterprises. A one-time reward of 300,000 yuan will be granted to newly recognized national-level “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” “Little Giant” enterprises.Encourage “chain-leading” enterprises in industrial chains to play a leading and supportive role by opening up market access, capital, data, and other innovation resources, establishing a collaborative innovation ecosystem, enhancing industrial chain synergy, and facilitating the better integration of “Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and Innovative” “Little Giant” enterprises into industrial chains, value chains, and innovation chains. [Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Finance Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees]

12. Promote the leading and exemplary role of manufacturing single-champion enterprises. Actively cultivate and develop a group of single-champion enterprises that focus on niche product markets, possess outstanding production technologies (processes), hold high market shares, and demonstrate strong risk-resilience. A one-time reward of 300,000 yuan will be granted to newly recognized national-level manufacturing single-champion demonstration enterprises.Encourage all counties (cities, districts) and administrative committees to provide support to single-champion enterprises within their jurisdictions. [Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Finance Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees]

13. Promote integrated development among large, medium, and small enterprises. Using the Qinchuangyuan (Yan’an) Innovation Promotion Center as a bridge, regularly collect enterprise needs and connect them with universities and research institutes to actively promote integrated innovation across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of industrial chains, as well as among large, medium, and small enterprises. Encourage large enterprises to open up resources to small, medium, and micro enterprises through models such as “service platforms + innovation ecosystems + professional services.”Support collaborative innovation among lead enterprises and supporting enterprises, specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative enterprises and SMEs, as well as technology-based enterprises and manufacturing enterprises, to foster positive interactions between innovation chains and industrial chains, industrial chains and supply chains, and supply chains and demand chains. (Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Municipal Science and Technology Bureau)

(IV) Implement the “IPO” Initiative for Technology-Based Enterprises

14. Strengthen the joint cultivation of enterprises in the IPO pipeline. Implement the Yan’an Municipal Three-Year Action Plan for Enterprise Listing, refine the criteria for including enterprises in the IPO pipeline database, establish an information-sharing mechanism for technology-based enterprises, and intensify cultivation and guidance efforts for these enterprises. Enterprises included in the municipal-level IPO pipeline database that list on the Science and Technology Innovation Board of the Shaanxi Equity Exchange Center in the same year will be awarded a 200,000 yuan incentive.(Municipal Financial Affairs Office, Municipal Finance Bureau) Provide R&D funding subsidies of up to 200,000 yuan to “Gazelle” enterprises selected for the Shaanxi Provincial Gazelle Enterprise List in the current year, and provide R&D funding subsidies of up to 100,000 yuan to potential Gazelle enterprises selected for the Shaanxi Provincial Potential Gazelle Enterprise List in the current year. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau)

15. Expand and deepen the role of technology finance. Regularly organize government-bank-enterprise matchmaking sessions to help enterprises resolve financing difficulties. Guide technology enterprises to register on the Yan’an Smart Financial Services Platform to obtain credit loan support. Encourage financial institutions to utilize measures such as intellectual property pledges, equity pledges, accounts receivable pledges, and government-backed financing guarantees to effectively meet enterprises’ funding needs.(Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Financial Office, People’s Bank of China Yan’an Central Branch, Yan’an Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau)

16. Vigorously develop private equity and venture capital institutions. Actively attract external venture capital, private equity, and industrial investment funds to invest in the city’s technology-based enterprises. Seek funding from provincial and central enterprise development funds. Fully leverage the role of the Yan’an High-Tech Zone “Red Dream” Venture Capital Fund and the Nanniwan Development Zone Agricultural Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Fund. Adopt equity investment approaches to drive capital expansion for technology-based enterprises and attract such enterprises to establish operations in the city.State-owned science and technology enterprises, state-owned investment institutions, and relevant government investment funds investing in science and technology enterprises, as well as “Three Innovations (Innovation, Creation, Creativity) and Four New (New Technologies, New Industries, New Business Models, New Formats)” enterprises, may conduct equity transfers and exits through equity trading institutions in accordance with state-owned asset supervision regulations. (Municipal Financial Affairs Office, Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Yan’an High-Tech Zone)

17. Strengthen the development of regional equity markets. Actively participate in the Qinchuangyuan Zone of the Shaanxi Equity Exchange Center, expand and enhance the Science and Technology Innovation Board, organize and promote the centralized listing and direct financing of high-quality technology-based enterprises, and provide differentiated capital market financing services to enterprises. Advance the shareholding system reform of enterprises; in accordance with the principles of “one policy per enterprise” and “one discussion per matter,” expedite the handling of administrative approvals and confirmations related to enterprise listings in accordance with the law. (Municipal Financial Affairs Office)

IV. Support Measures

18. Strengthen Organizational Leadership. The municipal government will incorporate the number of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises evaluated and included in the database, as well as the number of newly added high-tech enterprises, into the city’s high-quality development assessment and evaluation system. Regular reports will be issued, and special inspections will be conducted to promptly identify issues and ensure corrective actions are taken. The Municipal Science and Technology Bureau shall be responsible for overall planning, organizational coordination, and evaluation and supervision.Relevant municipal departments shall, in accordance with their respective responsibilities, formulate supporting policies and measures and strengthen work guidance. All counties (cities, districts) and administrative committees shall treat the Innovation and Development Multiplication Plan for Technology-Based Enterprises as a key component of achieving innovation-driven development. They shall formulate implementation plans and supporting policies, fully mobilize the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of all parties, advance the in-depth implementation of this plan, and strive to achieve tangible results. [Relevant municipal departments, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees according to their respective responsibilities]

19. Strengthen Talent Support. The Municipal Science and Technology Bureau shall take the lead in coordination, working together with the Qinchuangyuan (Yan’an) Innovation Promotion Center and all counties (cities, districts) and administrative committees,deepen exchanges and cooperation with universities and research institutions both within and outside the province, strengthen the linkage mechanisms between talent cultivation and projects, platforms, and enterprises, and establish regular cooperation with 100 universities, 20 academicians, 300 professors, 30 academic societies, associations, and innovation alliances, as well as 50 leading enterprises. We will actively cultivate the Qinchuangyuan “Scientist + Engineer” team and precisely recruit a group of leading scientific and technological talents, young scientific and technological talents, management and operational talents, and scientific and technological innovation and entrepreneurship teams.Implement the “Sacred Land Talent Plan,” continue to conduct evaluations for talent project initiatives, and recognize a group of science and technology innovation and entrepreneurship talents (teams) and entrepreneurs to incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship across all fields. [Municipal Party Committee Talent Office, Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Municipal Investment Promotion Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and Administrative Committees] Strengthen the management of high-end foreign talent (Category A) and professional talent (Category B) based in Yan’an, improve the targeting and effectiveness of our work, and further enhance service provision.(Municipal Science and Technology Bureau) Launch pilot programs to grant researchers ownership or long-term usage rights to their job-related scientific and technological achievements, thereby stimulating their enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship and accelerating the transformation and industrialization of scientific and technological achievements. For talents with outstanding contributions and newly recruited high-level talents, relax requirements regarding educational background and professional experience, allow direct evaluation and recognition for senior professional titles, and provide support in areas such as residency registration, housing security, and children’s school enrollment. (Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Party Committee Talent Office, Municipal Education Bureau, Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau)

20. Optimize the innovation environment. The Yan’an City Science and Technology Enterprise Innovation and Development Doubling Plan reward (subsidy) funds shall be disbursed according to the “localization” principle: 50% by the local government or management committee where the enterprise is registered, and 50% by the municipal finance department. The reward (subsidy) funds received by enterprises shall be used exclusively for enterprise science and technology innovation activities.[Municipal Finance Bureau, Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, governments of all counties (cities, districts)] Gradually improve the procedures for implementing innovation and development policies for science and technology enterprises, explore online processing models for policy implementation, and enhance service efficiency and transparency.(Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Market Regulation Bureau, Municipal Financial Affairs Office) Existing policy documents related to the innovative development of technology-based enterprises, including Yan Zheng Fa [2019] No. 13, Yan Zheng Ban Fa [2021] No. 15, and Yan Zheng Ban Fa [2021] No. 19, shall continue to be implemented as originally stipulated; for overlapping policies, the most favorable provision shall apply.Implement the pilot program for the “Three Reforms” in the transformation of scientific and technological achievements to facilitate smoother channels for such transformation, optimize the allocation mechanism for science and education resources, and fully unleash the vitality of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creation. Strengthen publicity efforts regarding major projects, achievements, exemplary figures, and enterprises in the technology sector to foster an innovation culture that “encourages innovation and embraces accountability while tolerating mistakes.” [Relevant municipal departments, governments of all counties (cities, districts), and administrative committees according to their respective responsibilities]