Policy Spotlight | Measures to boost smart terminal industry

Shenzhen's industry and information technology sector recently introduced a set of guidelines known as the “Measures to Promote the High-Quality Development of the Smart Terminal Industry in Shenzhen” (the "Measures") to boost the high-quality advancement of the smart terminal industry. The primary goal is to execute plans for developing strategic emerging industries and future industry clusters under the "20+8" strategy.

The Measures specify actions in five key areas: enhancing capabilities across the industrial chain, achieving crucial technological advancements, improving product quality and innovation, expanding market presence, and innovating consumer experiences. These efforts are geared towards driving the high-end, intelligent, and global growth of the smart terminal industry cluster in Shenzhen.

A citizen experiences an in-car XR device developed by a Shenzhen-based company. Photo from Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

Shenzhen has established various leading brands, advanced manufacturing units, and key component suppliers within the smart terminals realm, forming an integrated industry system covering core component research, OEM manufacturing, branded products, and ecosystem development.

The strategy emphasizes reinforcing support for supply chain production, fostering cooperation among brand enterprises, OEM manufacturers, and suppliers, and promoting collaborations through supply chain matchmaking events.

To attract industrial synergies, a focus is placed on satellite communications, artificial intelligence, space computing, and other cutting-edge technologies alongside high-end smart terminal products to spur regional clustering.

Efforts to boost leading companies' capabilities and enable breakthroughs in core technologies will include initiatives like the "leader hunt," which invites companies to address vital technological challenges and offers funding support of up to 30 million yuan (US$4.14 million) for those succeed in tackling bottlenecks.

To expand market reach and enhance Shenzhen's global presence, the Measures encourage international expansion by terminal brands and support hosting major global electronics expos in Shenzhen, fostering involvement across the industry chain.

Simultaneously, initiatives are underway to pioneer new consumer experiences through the promotion of smart home products, virtual reality integration, and new terminal applications, including the installation of immersive facilities in public areas and the recognition of exemplary industry cases.

On the industrial space front, Shenzhen plans to utilize its existing 20 highly advanced manufacturing parks and develop specialized industrial zones for smartphones, computers, wearables, VR/AR, smart homes, and AI terminals, providing rental subsidies to resident enterprises.

In terms of financial support, Shenzhen will establish a development fund to empower the smart terminal industry's growth.