China’s state-owned enterprises are expected to play a greater role in building a modern industrial system, with priorities including technological innovation, upgrading traditional industries and developing strategic emerging sectors. The agenda is set out in an article by Cheng Fubo published on the website of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.
The article calls for faster work on key technologies and stronger research in artificial intelligence, quantum technology and life sciences. It also urges closer links between research and manufacturing and efforts to make industrial and supply chains more resilient.
According to figures cited in the article, research and development spending by central state-owned enterprises exceeded 1 trillion yuan in 2025. Their revenue from strategic emerging industries topped 12 trillion yuan, while the share of those industries in total investment rose from 27% to 42% over three years.
