The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has recently issued a notice to initiate a special action plan aimed at cultivating AI application service providers, setting a national target of surpassing 2,000 companies in the service provider resource pool by the end of 2026. The initiative seeks to build a multi-tiered structure featuring a rational composition, a clear division of responsibilities, and collaborative innovation, with a notable enhancement in capabilities for delivering complex scenarios.
AI application service providers are defined as enterprises or institutions that address the intelligent demands of user organizations by offering services such as consulting and planning for AI solution implementation, project delivery, operations management, and security governance. The notice outlines the use of this special action as a catalyst to establish a provider resource pool while precisely enhancing capabilities in technological innovation, system integration and delivery, as well as security and compliance.
Looking further ahead, the plan aims for no fewer than 3,000 providers by the end of 2027, supporting the formation of an AI application service ecosystem characterized by the synergy of all essential factors, connectivity across the entire industrial chain, and comprehensive scenario coverage.
Addressing the current pain points hindering the growth of service providers, the notice systematically arranges four primary tasks. These include organizing nationwide assessments to profile service providers, developing and refining provider records, and compiling a comprehensive national resource pool; establishing an "AI Application Service Group" to foster stronger links between upstream and downstream entities, promptly disseminate security risk information, and elevate management capabilities in areas such as safety, ethics, and compliance; encouraging the development of standardized services with replicable solution models while broadening access to application scenarios to increase procurement from these providers; and utilizing instruments like "computing vouchers" to secure essential resource supplies, alongside promoting the joint construction of training bases and the advancement of frontline deployment engineers.
As a next step, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will strengthen overall coordination and promptly study and resolve major issues and critical matters emerging during the execution of the special action. Regions demonstrating effective implementation will receive preferential support in relevant policies and upcoming projects. Additionally, an online platform for the AI application service provider resource pool will be launched in due course to facilitate the sharing and utilization of information.