China’s Mega-Plan for 500+ Smart Factories: A Deep Dive into the Machinery Industry’s Digital Overhaul

Key Points

  • China’s massive “Implementation Plan for Digital Transformation of the Machinery Industry” (Jixie Gongye Shuzi Hua Zhuanxing Shishi Fang’an 机械工业数字化转型实施方案) was launched by eight ministries on August 1, 2025, to significantly boost the digital transformation of its machinery industry.
  • By 2027, the plan aims for at least 50% of enterprises to achieve Level 2 or higher in intelligent manufacturing capability and establish no fewer than 200 “excellent smart factories.”
  • The long-term goal for 2030 is to have all machinery enterprises above a certain size complete full digital transformation, with 60% of enterprises reaching Level 2 or higher in intelligence maturity.
  • By 2030, the number of “excellent smart factories” is targeted to significantly increase to no fewer than 500, and deep AI integration is expected across key enterprises.
Key Targets for China’s Machinery Industry Digital Transformation
Target YearMetricGoal
2027Enterprises (Level 2+ IM Maturity)≥ 50%
2027Excellent Smart Factories≥ 200
2030Enterprises (Total Digital Transformation)All above certain size
2030Enterprises (Level 2+ IM Maturity)≥ 60%
2030Excellent Smart Factories≥ 500
2030AI IntegrationDeeply integrated in key enterprises
Decorative Image

China just ignited a massive push for the digital transformation of its machinery industry, and the roadmap is incredibly ambitious.

On August 1, 2025, a coalition of eight powerful ministries, led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (Gongye He Xinxi Hua Bu 工业和信息化部), dropped a bombshell plan.

They call it the “Implementation Plan for Digital Transformation of the Machinery Industry” (Jixie Gongye Shuzi Hua Zhuanxing Shishi Fang’an 机械工业数字化转型实施方案).

This isn’t just another policy paper. It’s a crystal-clear signal of China’s intent to dominate the future of intelligent manufacturing.

Let’s break down what this means for founders, investors, and anyone watching the global tech scene.

The 2027 Sprint: Building the Foundation for Intelligent Manufacturing

2027 Targets: Foundational Digital & Intelligent Manufacturing
  • Enterprises Achieving Level 2 or Higher Intelligent Manufacturing Capability Maturity: At least 50%
  • Excellent Smart Factories Established: No fewer than 200
  • Outstanding Scenario-Based Solutions Cultivated: At least 200

The plan sets some aggressive short-term targets to be hit by 2027. This is all about laying the critical groundwork for a much bigger vision.

The goal is to get the entire industry humming with digital and intelligent tech—from the first sketch in R&D to factory floor operations and after-sales service.

Here’s the lowdown on the key targets:

  • Widespread Tech Adoption: Getting digital and intelligent technologies into every stage of the game, including product R&D, manufacturing, operations management, and maintenance services.
  • Maturity Upgrade: A key metric is pushing at least 50% of enterprises to achieve Level 2 or higher in intelligent manufacturing capability maturity. This means moving beyond basic automation to more integrated and optimized systems.
  • Building “Excellent Smart Factories”: The plan calls for the creation of no fewer than 200 “excellent smart factories.” Think of these as the flagship models for the rest of the industry, showcasing what’s possible with cutting-edge tech.
  • Nurturing New-Gen Providers: It’s not just about the factories themselves. The government aims to cultivate at least 200 outstanding scenario-based solutions, fostering a new class of service providers who get both the industrial nitty-gritty and the digital stack.

The takeaway? By 2027, China wants a significant portion of its machinery industry to be smarter, faster, and more connected, setting the stage for what comes next.

Resume Captain Logo

Resume Captain

Your AI Career Toolkit:

  • AI Resume Optimization
  • Custom Cover Letters
  • LinkedIn Profile Boost
  • Interview Question Prep
  • Salary Negotiation Agent
Get Started Free
Decorative Image

The 2030 Marathon: Aiming for Global Leadership

2030 Long-Term Goals: Advanced Digital Transformation & AI Integration
  • Universal Digital Transformation: All machinery enterprises above a certain size.
  • Intelligent Manufacturing Capability Maturity (Level 2+): 60% of enterprises.
  • Excellent Smart Factories: No fewer than 500.
  • Deep AI Integration: Across key enterprises.
  • Fully Connected Supply Chains: Seamless data sharing across upstream and downstream.
  • Secure Ecosystem: Comprehensive, secure, and controllable system for product/service supply.

If the 2027 goals are a sprint, the 2030 vision is a marathon aimed at total industry dominance.

The long-term targets are even more expansive and paint a picture of a fully realized, hyper-efficient industrial ecosystem.

Here’s the big picture for 2030 and beyond:

  • Universal Digital Transformation: The goal is for all machinery enterprises above a certain size to have completed a full round of digital transformation. No one gets left behind.
  • Fully Connected Supply Chains: Core companies are expected to have seamless, interconnected data sharing across their entire upstream and downstream supply chains. This is a massive play for supply chain resilience and efficiency.
  • Deep AI Integration: This isn’t just about pilot projects. Key enterprises will have deeply integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their core operations.
  • Leveling Up, Again: The bar for intelligence maturity will be raised, with 60% of enterprises projected to reach Level 2 or higher.
  • Scaling Smart Factories: The number of “excellent smart factories” is targeted to more than double, reaching no fewer than 500.
  • A Secure Ecosystem: The plan aims to establish a
    “comprehensive, secure, and controllable system for product and service supply.” This points to a desire for technological self-sufficiency and security.

This ambitious roadmap for the digital transformation of the machinery industry underscores a strategic national priority. It’s a clear, data-backed plan to build a more resilient, intelligent, and globally competitive manufacturing powerhouse.


Decorative Image

References

In this article
Scroll to Top