China's artificial intelligence (AI) sector has seen unprecedented growth, boasting 378,000 effective AI invention patents by the end of 2023. This marks a remarkable year-on-year increase of over 40 percent, outpacing the global average by 1.4 times, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
The surge in AI patents underscores the robust innovation within China's digital economy. Last year, core industries of the digital economy contributed a significant 10 percent to the country's GDP. In 2023 alone, invention patents approved in these core digital economy industries reached 406,000, constituting 45 percent of all granted invention patents in China.
Ge Shu, a senior official at CNIPA, highlighted the sustained technological advancements in the digital sector, noting an average annual growth rate of 21 percent over the past five years. Additionally, by the end of 2023, 155,000 domestic enterprises had secured invention patents related to the digital economy, a 31,000 increase from the previous year.
Foreign enterprises have also been active in strengthening their patent portfolios within China's digital economy. Ge explained that by the end of last year, enterprises from 93 countries and regions held valid invention patents in these industries in China, with digital product manufacturing leading the way at 61.8 percent.
This dynamic growth in AI and digital innovation highlights China's commitment to advancing its digital economy, positioning the country as a global leader in technology and innovation.
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China owns 378,000 AI patents, rising faster than global average
cgtn.com
