Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Launches 'Smart Growth Plan for SMEs,' Software Service Providers Embrace New Opportunities in Digital Transformation

【Beijing, December 18, 2025】The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology today officially released the "Action Plan for Empowering Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (2026-2028)" and announced the launch of the "Smart Growth Plan for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises." Over the next three years, the plan will focus on supporting software service providers in offering customized system integration, mini-program development, and information solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises through policy guidance, financial subsidies, and ecosystem collaboration.

The newly released special action plan explicitly states that by the end of 2028, over one million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should achieve digital coverage in their core business processes. Key measures of the plan include establishing a special subsidy fund totaling 30 billion yuan for digital transformation. SMEs can apply for subsidies covering up to 50% of their expenses when purchasing SaaS software, customized development, system integration, and mini-program ecosystem construction services from certified providers. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will collaborate with industry associations to establish a "Certification System for Digital Service Providers for SMEs." The first batch of certified providers includes companies such as Yonyou, Kingdee, and hundreds of vertical industry service providers.

In terms of industry background, China has over 48 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but their levels of informatization vary widely. Many face challenges such as "lack of know-how, reluctance to transform, and insufficient funds for transformation." Traditional software service models are often costly and complex to deploy. In recent years, the maturity of low-code development platforms, cloud-native architectures, and lightweight mini-program applications has provided SMEs with more flexible and low-cost pathways to cloud adoption. The large-scale national-level special initiative is seen as a critical step in systematically aligning market demand with industrial supply.

Impact Analysis:

1. For the software services and development industry: policies have directly created a massive incremental market, and certified service providers will experience significant growth in orders. Industry competition will shift from a simple price war to a focus on the adaptability of solutions to specific industries, delivery efficiency, and the capability for subsequent operational services. SaaS providers and integrators specializing in niche sectors (such as retail, catering, and manufacturing) will enter a golden period of development.
2. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Subsidies have significantly lowered the initial threshold for digital transformation, enabling businesses to introduce tools such as ERP, CRM, and marketing mini-programs at a lower cost, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and market competitiveness. In particular, mini-program development services, due to their lightweight nature and ease of user access, will become the preferred entry point for SMEs to connect with customers and engage in online operations.
3. Regarding technology trends: policies encouraging the adoption of cloud services, microservices architecture, and domestically produced foundational software will further accelerate the proliferation of cloud computing, low-code platforms, and the information innovation ecosystem among small and medium-sized enterprises. System integration projects will increasingly emphasize the integrated delivery of "cloud + terminal + mini-programs."

Future Outlook: The "Smart Growth Plan for SMEs" is not just a financial support initiative but also a catalyst for reshaping the industrial ecosystem. Over the next three years, the following trends are expected to emerge: First, the software service market will accelerate its segmentation, forming a symbiotic landscape where leading platform-based vendors coexist with specialized service providers focused on specific industries. Second, as lightweight applications, mini-programs will be deeply integrated with backend systems such as ERP and SCM, becoming a standard component of unified solutions that combine "front-end touchpoints and back-end management." Finally, service models will shift from "one-time project delivery" to "long-term subscriptions and continuous operations," with the value of service providers becoming deeply intertwined with the success of their clients.

It is foreseeable that, driven by both policy tailwinds and technological advancements, China's software services and the informatization sector for small and medium-sized enterprises are entering a new stage of high-quality development centered on value co-creation.