China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has unveiled a plan to deepen the integration of the industrial internet and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to equip the manufacturing sector with more responsive, data-driven capabilities.

The plan sets a horizon to 2028, envisioning a notable elevation in the integration of AI with industrial networks. It outlines the upgrading of industrial networks in no fewer than 50,000 enterprises, the creation of high-quality datasets across 20 key industries, and the cultivation of intelligent solution providers to facilitate coordinated technological upgrades among large, medium-sized, and small enterprises.

This initiative reflects a broader drive to embed digital intelligence into industrial operations, optimizing processes and enhancing decision-making across complex production chains. By structuring data flows, enabling AI-driven analytics, and fostering interoperability among industrial systems, the plan seeks to help enterprises respond with agility to evolving market demands.

Complementing the national strategy, Shanghai introduced a three-year “AI plus manufacturing” implementation plan in August. The city’s blueprint sets concrete targets: roughly 3,000 manufacturing firms are expected to adopt intelligent applications; 10 demonstration factories will showcase practical integration; and 10 industry-specific benchmark models along with around 100 intelligent products are planned. The initiative also envisions approximately 100 scenario-focused AI applications and the development of several integrated industrial AI solution providers, forming a practical ecosystem for AI adoption.

Shanghai’s approach emphasizes deploying robotics for repetitive or hazardous tasks, model-driven analytics, and scenario-specific AI solutions tailored to sectors including electronic information, automotive, equipment manufacturing, and advanced materials. By strengthening data governance, model training, and intelligent decision-making, the plan provides a structured pathway for AI integration without compromising operational reliability.

Taken together, the national and municipal initiatives reveal a layered, methodical strategy for embedding AI into industrial practices. They combine measurable targets, pilot projects, and ecosystem-building efforts, illustrating how digital technologies can progressively transform manufacturing processes while maintaining a clear, objective focus on efficiency, capability, and resilience.