On January 13, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the official interpretation on the policy document the Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of Industrial Internet Platforms (2026—2028) (hereinafter referred to as “the Action Plan”).

The Action Plan is drafted based on the consideration that industrial Internet platforms are defined as a key carrier for the aggregation of massive data, the accumulation of models and the development of applications. It is also considered as an important hub for the ubiquitous connection, elastic supply and efficient allocation of industrial element resources, and a strategic infrastructure that supports the intelligent, green and integrated development of industries.

The ultimate goal of this Action Plan is to establish a new generation of platform ecosystems characterized by ubiquitous connectivity, intelligent integration, deep collaboration, and openness. Specific and quantitative goals are also set up in the document, stating that by 2028:

-   The number of influential industrial internet platforms exceeds 450. -   The total number of industrial devices connected to key platforms surpasses 120 million units. -   The adoption rate of platforms in key industries exceeds 55%. Four main action areas are outlined in the Action Plan to drive relevant development: -   Guiding platforms toward differentiated and specialized development Platform enterprises are encouraged to focus on their core strengths and deepen their expertise, avoiding redundant development. The plan emphasizes cultivating various types of platforms, including specialized, industry-specific, and collaborative platforms, and establishing a four-tier cultivation system (from foundational to leading). Meanwhile, promote the formulation of unified technical standards for platform interoperability to facilitate cross-regional collaboration and resource sharing. -   Enhancing data utilization and ai integration

The policy underscores the need to fully leverage the value of industrial data. It supports platforms in improving data collection and processing capabilities and establishing scenario-oriented data labeling systems. Furthermore, it advocates for the development of various industrial model libraries and encourages the "Model-as-a-Service" (MaaS) approach. Additionally, platform enterprises are supported in developing intelligent applications for industrial scenarios and exploring new architecture combining "platforms + agents.

-   Expanding the breadth and depth of platform applications

The plan encourages platform enterprises to develop solutions for critical and high-value scenarios and guides manufacturing enterprises in deepening their adoption. It aims to help large enterprises improve collaboration efficiency through platforms while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in utilizing platform resources for equipment upgrades and business transformation. Regarding service models, flexible approaches such as "try-before-you-pay," subscription-based services, and outcome-based pricing are encouraged.

-   Building an open and collaborative industrial ecosystem

Promote the establishment of open-source communities for industrial internet platforms to attract diverse participants. Leading domestic enterprises are encouraged to build international exchange platforms to enhance the global influence of Chinese standards. The Action Plan also calls for further improvement of the platform standard system and strengthened security measures, including implementing classified and graded security management and enhancing data security monitoring and emergency response capabilities.

For foreign stakeholders, the key takeaways of the Action Plan include:

-   The policy emphasizes intellectual property (IP) protection throughout the process of data development and utilization and implements classified and graded cybersecurity management.

-   China will accelerate the establishment of a new generation of platform standard systems and promote alignment with international standards.

-   The development of open-source communities and international cooperation platforms presents opportunities for participation in joint technological development.

-   The policy encourages collaboration between platform enterprises and various types of manufacturers, supporting flexible service models. Companies possessing expertise in targeted industry solutions, AI technologies, or data services may find potential collaboration opportunities in key industrial scenarios.