The Chinese mainland is rewriting the global innovation playbook in 2024, setting new records for digital economy patents and reshaping the global tech race.
Record-breaking Growth
Last year, the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) reported 500,000 authorized invention patents in the digital economy's core sectors, a 23.1% surge that outpaces global averages.
AI at the Forefront
AI-related patents accounted for a staggering 60% of worldwide holdings, cementing the Chinese mainland as the top AI innovator on the international stage.
Going Global
Overseas invention patents rocketed from 21,000 in 2016 to 52,000 in 2024, showcasing the Chinese mainland's expanding footprint in global R&D.
Foreign Confidence
By the end of last year, entities from 95 countries and regions held 407,000 valid patents in the Chinese mainland's digital economy, 43.7% of all foreign-held invention patents in these sectors.
"This fully demonstrates that foreign enterprises are confident in the future development of the Chinese mainland's digital economy," said Shen Changyu, head of CNIPA.
As the digital revolution accelerates, patent data reveals a story of rapid growth, cross-border collaboration, and a tech landscape that is evolving faster than ever.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
