Hebei Province has launched a cultivation initiative for first-edition software to accelerate the development, application, and industrialization of such products. By 2027, the province aims to cultivate 100 advanced, innovative, reliable, and high-potential first-edition software products.

From December 3 to 18, eligible enterprises can apply for inclusion in the cultivation program.

First-edition software refers to products developed independently or collaboratively by enterprises that demonstrate significant breakthroughs in functionality or performance, possess technological leadership or disrupt market monopolies, and hold independent intellectual property rights. These products must be the first commercial release under a specific name and version number, excluding in-house or custom non-general software.

To qualify, enterprises must legally own the software copyright for the first release, obtained through original creation. The application should be submitted within two years of copyright registration, with the main version number listed as 1.0.

Technologically, the product must achieve major functional or performance advancements, fill domestic or provincial gaps, break market monopolies, or receive provincial/ministerial-level or higher scientific awards (e.g., Natural Science Award, Technology Invention Award, or Science and Technology Progress Award). Alternatively, it should be designated as a key or demonstration project at the provincial/ministerial level or above.

Quality and reliability are also critical. The product must pass testing by institutions accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) or obtain a "Software Product Evaluation Certificate." For regulated industries, relevant licenses are required, and mandatory certification applies where applicable. Market recognition is another key criterion.

Hebei will establish a provincial-municipal-county collaborative mechanism to foster software industry growth. At the provincial level, the initiative will support market promotion and enhance the influence of local software products. Municipal authorities will provide guidance, maintain enterprise and product databases, and assist in planning, R&D, and IP protection. County-level efforts will focus on integrating local resources, resolving R&D and promotion challenges, and offering direct support to enterprises.

The Department of Industry and Information Technology will spearhead the cultivation program, highlighting key software products through events such as open-source software forums, big data conferences, digital transformation workshops, cybersecurity summits, and industrial intelligence matchmaking sessions.