Shenzhen had listed 4,826 specialized and sophisticated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce novel and unique products in 2022, registering a notable year-on-year growth of 64%, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.

The city has been selecting and recognizing specialized and sophisticated SMEs since 2021. So far, the city has over 8,600 enterprises within the validity period.

Statistics also show that Shenzhen has 442 “l(fā)ittle giants,” which refer to industry leaders recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology with specific market orientation, excellent innovation capabilities, large market shares, core technologies, and high product quality and profitability.

Bao’an District topped the list for the second consecutive year with 1,260 specialized and sophisticated SMEs. Nanshan and Longhua districts came in second and third with 1,087 and 767 such enterprises, respectively.

The 4,826 enterprises listed cover 60 industries, including 17 new industries and some high value-added industries such as computer, software and information technologies, as well as the construction and real estate industries.

The industries with a significant increase in numbers are mostly from Shenzhen’s traditionally competitive industries, such as technology promotion and application services, research and experimental development, and commercial services. 

In Shenzhen, enterprises are eligible to apply for the “l(fā)ittle giants” accreditation after they become specialized and sophisticated enterprises. In principle, the accreditation takes place once a year with a validity period of three years.

Liu Jiandang, a researcher at the China Development Institute, commented that the newly increased specialized and sophisticated enterprises can contribute to building a better industrial ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of various industries.