NDRC neijuan AI+ — National Development and Reform Work Conference: NDRC to Tackle “Neijuan” Competition and Expand “AI+” Action

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References

• National Development and Reform Work Conference stresses tackling “involution” competition and expanding “AI+” action – Cailian Press
• National Development and Reform Commission (official website) – National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)
• National Development and Reform Work Conference concludes in Beijing – Xinhua News Agency

NDRC neijuan AI+

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Key directives from the conference — policy priorities and takeaways

• Comprehensively address “involution-style” competition (内卷式竞争 nèijuǎn shì jìngzhēng) to reduce wasteful rivalry and improve market efficiency.

• Strengthen capacity governance in key industries and fine-tune regulation of major infrastructure projects.

• Vigorously cultivate and scale up emerging industries and future-oriented sectors; foster several new emerging pillar industries to support long-term growth.

• Deepen and expand the “AI+” initiative (人工智能+ réngōng zhìnéng +) to accelerate AI integration across industries.

• Address shortfalls in the technology services sector and improve related capabilities to better support innovation.

• Improve the industrial ecosystem for the low-altitude economy (低空经济 dīkōng jīngjì) to unlock new commercial and service opportunities.

• Advance high-quality development of the digital economy (数字经济 shùzì jīngjì) with a focus on sustainable, innovation-driven growth.

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What each directive means for investors, founders, and operators

Targeting “neijuan” signals a regulatory push to curb inefficient, zero-sum, or speculative competition that wastes resources rather than creating value.

This will likely reshape hiring, marketing, and pricing tactics in crowded consumer and services sectors.

Capacity governance and infrastructure oversight means selective support for strategic projects and closer monitoring of overcapacity risks.

This will affect heavy industry, energy, and large-scale manufacturing planning.

Scaling emerging industries and pillar sectors highlights where policymakers expect long-term economic anchors to form.

Founders and VCs should watch for pilot zones, incentive programs, and subsidy windows that align with those pillar industries.

Expanding “AI+” points to accelerating AI integration across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, finance, and public services.

Companies providing AI infrastructure, cloud services, and data platforms stand to gain from clearer policy support and demand-side pull.

Technology services gaps will get attention, which can translate into funding and procurement opportunities for systems integrators, cloud-native firms, and specialized service providers.

Low-altitude economy focus opens opportunities in urban logistics, drone services, and new commercial aviation services at lower altitudes.

Digital economy quality growth means sustainability, data governance, and innovation are prioritized alongside scale.

Implications — reading between the lines

Policy emphasis on curbing “neijuan” (内卷 nèijuǎn) signals greater regulatory attention on inefficient or speculative competition across sectors.

The renewed push to deepen “AI+” and shore up tech service gaps should benefit firms active in AI infrastructure, cloud services, and data-driven industries.

Guidance to strengthen capacity governance and infrastructure oversight indicates continued selective support for strategic projects while restraining excess production in overheated areas.

Expect policymakers to favor projects and companies that demonstrate productivity gains, scalable models, and clear public-value outcomes.

What to watch next — concrete signals that matter

• Follow-up policy documents from the NDRC (国家发展和改革委员会 Guójiā Fāzhǎn Hé Gǎigé Wěiyuánhuì) outlining implementation steps and sector-specific measures.

• Announcements on targeted support programs for AI, digital economy projects, and the low-altitude economy ecosystem.

• Regulatory action or capacity-adjustment plans for industries identified as over-competitive or over-capacitated.

How operators can position for the next 12–24 months

Prioritize product and service changes that demonstrably increase efficiency and reduce redundant competition.

Document measurable productivity improvements and be ready to present them to regulators or procurement teams.

Invest in AI tools and cloud-native capabilities that plug into the “AI+” agenda.

Build partnerships with systems integrators and regional players that can help scale pilot projects.

Monitor capacity-adjustment signals and be prepared to pivot away from over-served markets.

Quick checklist for investors

• Validate that portfolio companies reduce wasteful competition rather than amplify it.

• Assess exposure to sectors likely to face capacity governance or stricter oversight.

• Look for startups enabling “AI+” adoption—especially those focused on vertical integration, explainability, and deployment at scale.

• Watch low-altitude economy plays for first-mover advantages in urban logistics and drone services.

Key terms and translations

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC 国家发展和改革委员会 Guójiā Fāzhǎn Hé Gǎigé Wěiyuánhuì)

Involution-style competition (内卷式竞争 nèijuǎn shì jìngzhēng)

AI+ (人工智能+ réngōng zhìnéng +)

Low-altitude economy (低空经济 dīkōng jīngjì)

Digital economy (数字经济 shùzì jīngjì)