2025-07-15
Building a Robust Foundation for AI Innovation
Source:Economic Daily
Beijing has launched the Action Plan of Beijing on Artificial Intelligence Empowering New Industrialization (2025), providing up to 30 million yuan in support for the computing costs of large models that reach domestic top-tier or internationally leading standards. Similarly, Hangzhou has unveiled the Implementation Plan of Hangzhou for Accelerating the Development of an AI Innovation Hub (2025), which backs companies in pursuing multiple strategies to advance frontier technologies in large models… Recently, various regions have introduced related policies to guide the development of innovation ecosystems for AI enterprises.
The innovation ecosystem of AI enterprises is a dynamic network formed through the interconnection and collaboration of various entities, resources, and environments, centered on the development and application of AI technologies. In recent years, China has actively fostered the innovative development of AI enterprises, encouraging them with policy support to explore new ideas, move beyond traditional development models, and accelerate the iteration of cutting-edge technologies. For example, Shanghai has built a unique innovation ecosystem by using “Model Speed Space” as the core platform and establishing the “Big Dipper” industrial matrix. This has attracted nearly 400 large model enterprises to Xuhui District and enabled the implementation of 50 registered large models, which account for approximately 61% of the city’s total. For example, even without an advantage in resource endowment, Hangzhou has overcome development challenges by creating a three-in-one innovation ecosystem that combines “policy guidance, market forces, and cultural empowerment”.
Amid the growing intensity of global scientific and technological competition, relying on short-term, quick-win projects to drive AI innovation has become outdated. Only by deeply nurturing an innovation ecosystem and fostering a virtuous cycle where innovation elements experience “spontaneous aggregation, autonomous allocation, and organic growth” can we cultivate flagship AI enterprises with true global competitiveness.
Optimizing policy support is a critical pillar for fostering an innovation ecosystem. A scientifically sound and flexible policy framework should be established, using tools such as tax breaks, financial support, and intellectual property protection to guide and encourage AI enterprises to increase investment in fundamental research and enhance their capacity for independent innovation. A comprehensive policy evaluation and feedback system should be established and improved to adjust policy directions and refine policy content based on changes in market conditions and the actual needs of businesses, ensuring that policies are precisely aligned with industry development needs and providing a solid institutional foundation for the growth of AI enterprises.
Enhancing factor markets is a crucial foundation for fostering an innovation ecosystem. It is essential to dismantle institutional barriers that restrict the flow of resources and establish a market-driven mechanism that facilitates the free movement and optimal allocation of key factors such as talent, technology, and capital. Regarding talent strategy, efforts should focus on nurturing local talent while also attracting global expertise, and creating a diversified incentive system to draw top-tier talent from around the world. In the realm of technology commercialization, specialized service platforms should be established to bridge the “last mile”, facilitating the transition of scientific and technological achievements from the lab to real-world industrial applications. To address shortcomings in financial services, innovative products and service models should be developed, offering financial support throughout the entire lifecycle of AI enterprises—from startup and growth to expansion, ensuring that every step of their innovation journey is backed by robust resources.
Fostering a rich cultural environment is a fundamental driving force in building an innovation ecosystem. While innovation needs material support, it also depends heavily on a nurturing cultural atmosphere. It’s crucial to actively promote a culture of innovation that encourages bold ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit of exploration, while creating a social environment that embraces trial and error and encourages breakthroughs. By hosting innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, cutting-edge technology forums, and other events, we create platforms for the exchange and fusion of innovative ideas. This helps fully unleash the potential of the entire society for innovation and creation, embedding an innovation-driven culture into urban development and propelling the city toward becoming a global hub for AI innovation.