Suzhou has unveiled a comprehensive 2026–2027 Action Plan to accelerate the high-quality development of its software industry, with a strategic emphasis on Electronic Design Automation (EDA) as a critical national priority. The plan targets a ¥400 billion industry scale by 2027 and outlines six core domains:
basic software, industrial software, application software, emerging platform software, information security software, and IT services. EDA, alongside CAD, CAE, and CAM, is singled out for focused investment in AI-enhanced design tools, 3D geometric modeling, and multiphysics simulation aiming to reduce China’s dependence on foreign semiconductor design tools and strengthen domestic supply chain resilience.
The plan sets ambitious targets for enterprise growth, innovation, and talent expansion: 600 municipal-level key software firms, 50 industry leaders, and 20 companies exceeding ¥1 billion in revenue; 2,000+ new software patents and 30,000+ copyrights; and a workforce of over 300,000, including 50 national-level experts. To achieve this, Suzhou will build 16 specialized software industrial parks, with five targeting ¥10 billion in output, and establish regional clusters such as Xiangcheng for intelligent vehicles and digital finance, and the High-Tech Zone for IT innovation ensuring coordinated, differentiated development across the city.
Ten concrete actions underpin the strategy, including financial incentives for new software subsidiaries, up to ¥10 million in R&D grants for core tech breakthroughs, and ¥2 million rewards for new municipal parks. The plan promotes open-source ecosystems via the Open Atom Zijin Special Zone, encourages public-private scenario-driven innovation (e.g., manufacturing firms co-developing software), and supports talent attraction with up to ¥1 million in rewards for firms hiring top-tier experts. Additionally, Suzhou will launch 10+ service platforms for computing power, IP protection, testing, and standards, while promoting international standardization and patent development.
To ensure execution, the plan mandates strict oversight, inter-departmental coordination, and performance accountability, with implementation led by the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. Policy alignment follows a “higher standard, no duplication” principle to avoid overlap. By integrating cutting-edge software innovation with industrial needs from semiconductors and smart manufacturing to digital finance and healthcare Suzhou aims not only to dominate China’s software landscape but to become a global benchmark for integrated, ecosystem-driven digital transformation, positioning EDA as a cornerstone of its technological sovereignty strategy.
