Introduction to Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative Little Giants

I. Definition of "Little Giant" Enterprises Specializing in Specific Sectors with Novel Technologies

"Little Giant" enterprises specializing in specific sectors with novel technologies refer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in core areas of the industrial foundation and critical segments of the industrial chain. They possess outstanding innovation capabilities, master core technologies, hold a high market share in niche markets, and demonstrate strong quality and efficiency.

II. Evaluation of "Little Giant" Enterprises: Objective and Subjective Criteria

(I) Objective Criteria Evaluation

Reflecting on past application processes, the preparation of materials is crucial, akin to the foundation of a building. Key points primarily focus on two core sections: principle-based indicators and importance-based indicators.

Principle-Based Indicators (One-Vote Veto)

The enterprise must have been established and generated main business revenue for 3 years or more.

The proportion of main business revenue to total revenue must not be less than 70%.

The average growth rate of main business revenue over the past 2 years must not be less than 5%.

At least one core business operation must be supported by an information system.

At least one management system certification or product certification must be obtained.

The asset-liability ratio at the end of the previous year must not exceed 70%.

The market share of the leading product in the national niche market must reach 10% or higher.

The proportion of R&D expenses to total revenue over the past 2 years must not be less than 3%.

The enterprise must possess at least 2 Type I intellectual properties related to its leading product.

Importance-Based Indicators (Overall Compliance with Minor Deficiencies, Compensated by Strengths in Other Areas)

Based on past evaluations of "Little Giant" enterprises and the "2025 SME Specialization and Innovation Development Evaluation Index System," key application points are summarized with the following recommendations:

Core Position of Main Business: The proportion of main business revenue and the ranking in niche industry revenue require enterprises to focus most resources and efforts on core business areas, specializing in products or services in specific niche markets. By accumulating technology, experience, and customer resources in specific fields, enterprises form professional advantages, distinguishing themselves from diversified enterprises without a clear main business, highlighting their specialized positioning and deep cultivation in the industrial chain.

Business Growth Potential: The average growth rate of main business revenue reflects the adaptability and competitiveness of the enterprise's products or services in the market. Enterprises must continuously adjust and optimize their business in response to market demand; those with sluggish growth are at a disadvantage in the application process.

Financial Stability: The asset-liability ratio accurately reflects the financial health of the enterprise. A high ratio exposes the enterprise to financial risks, adversely affecting the evaluation; a very low ratio may lead evaluators to perceive the enterprise as overly conservative, with idle funds or assets not effectively utilized, potentially missing investment or expansion opportunities.

Industry Average Indicators

Profit Improvement: Profit growth rate exceeding the industry average.

Asset Accumulation: Net asset growth rate exceeding the industry average.

Operational Efficiency: Per capita revenue, return on net assets, and cost-based profit margins exceeding the industry average.

Management Efficiency: Sales and administrative expense ratios exceeding the industry average.

Market Advantage: Gross profit margin exceeding the industry average.

Digital Transformation Progress: Enterprises should undergo digital transformation for at least one core business. This includes digital transformation evaluation scores, recognition as a smart factory, high integration of informatization and industrialization, and certification of the integration management system. Under the current digital trend, national "Little Giant" enterprises have largely completed digital transformation of core businesses, with full coverage expected by 2027. Aligning with this trend enhances operational efficiency and innovation capability, aiding the application.

Management and Product Certification: Certification of at least one quality management system or authoritative product certification serves as strong proof of standardized management and product quality compliance.

Market Share Advantage: A high market share indicates strong competitiveness of the leading product in the national niche market, enabling it to stand out among similar products and gain customer recognition and choice, reflecting the enterprise's dominant position. Enterprises should declare based on authoritative assessments (e.g., from government agencies, securities firms, or qualified institutions) and proactively gather data to support their market position.

R&D Investment: R&D investment is a key driver of innovation capability. The average R&D expenditure ratio for national "Little Giant" enterprises is currently 7%. During evaluation, R&D expenses of 6 million RMB or below score 0 points; 6–14 million score 4–8 points; 18–26 million score 10–15 points. An R&D ratio of 3% or below scores 0 points; above 3% scores 1 point, with an additional point for each percentage point increase, and a maximum of 10 points for 9% or above. Enterprises should increase R&D investment, expand R&D personnel, and enhance innovation drive.

Sustained Innovation Support

Establishment of R&D Institutions: Provides solid support for continuous innovation, driving product upgrades and technological breakthroughs, and facilitating the application process. Academician expert workstations and postdoctoral workstations are considered national-level R&D institutions. Self-established R&D institutions score 5 points; provincial-level score 8 points; national or international level score 10 points.

Participation in Standard Setting: Nationally cultivated "Little Giant" enterprises have led the drafting of over 50,000 standards, averaging more than 3 per enterprise. In 2024, 146 specialized SMEs were listed on the global Hurun Unicorn List, accounting for 43% of China's unicorn enterprises. Evaluation prioritizes participation in international, national, and industry standard setting.

Intellectual Property Reserve: Type I intellectual properties involve higher technical content and innovation, often related to core technologies and key fields, reflecting core competitiveness and potential for conversion into productivity and economic benefits, demonstrating innovation quality and value. Certified "Little Giant" enterprises average significantly more authorized invention patents than peers of similar size, a critical factor in applications. During evaluation, 3 or fewer Type I properties score 0 points; 3–7 score 4–8 points; 9–15 score 10–15 points. The 2025 index system emphasizes technological focus, examining invention patent concentration, increasing their weight in evaluation, and highlighting the enterprise's mastery of inventions. More invention patents and higher concentration confer dominant advantages.

(II) Subjective Criteria Evaluation

Industrial Chain Support Indicators

Enterprises play a core and critical role in the industrial chain, closely aligning with key industrial chains, and driving the implementation and application of key foundational technologies and products. They are indispensable in "addressing weaknesses," "forging strengths," and "filling gaps," significantly enhancing the integrity and competitiveness of the industrial chain, providing robust support for optimizing and stabilizing the industrial ecosystem, and laying a solid foundation for overall industrial upgrading.

Evaluation will focus on the enterprise's role in the industrial chain, its ability to lead and drive upstream and downstream industries, and the practical application effects of its technologies and products. For instance, whether it has broken through key technological bottlenecks or effectively promoted collaborative development among related industries. Enterprises supporting well-known domestic and international large corporations, especially those involved in national "dual-heavy" projects, receive particular attention.

Notes:

"Addressing Weaknesses": Based on the "barrel theory," the industry is like a barrel made of staves of varying lengths. "Addressing weaknesses" involves analyzing gaps with international advanced technologies, improving and strengthening weak technical links in the industry, enhancing key technological levels, narrowing or closing gaps with foreign advanced levels, ultimately breaking foreign monopolies and achieving domestic substitution.

"Forging Strengths": Consolidating advantages to expand them further, achieving a leading position. Enterprises should continue to leverage unique advantages in domestically leading industries,巩固国内在该技术领域内的领先地位, and widening the technological gap with foreign counterparts.

"Filling Gaps": Amid technological progress and emerging new economies, enterprises increasing R&D investment in cutting-edge technologies and exploring new fields can seize market opportunities. For example, enterprises engaged in 6G communication technology R&D may profit in emerging markets. Statistics show that 90% of national "Little Giant" enterprises are suppliers to well-known large corporations, highlighting the importance and feasibility of industrial chain support in applications.

Leading Product Domain Indicators

Niche product markets encompass core foundational components, elements, key software, advanced basic processes, key foundational materials, and industrial technology foundations in manufacturing, or align with the ten key industries in the manufacturing power strategy, or fall within product domains related to building a cyber powerhouse. These products hold significant positions in the national strategic industrial layout, crucial for the high-quality development of manufacturing and cyber information industries.

Currently, 14,600 "Little Giant" enterprises are cultivated nationally, with 90% in manufacturing and over 80% in strategic emerging industrial chains like integrated circuits and aerospace. More than 5,000 are in future industries such as artificial intelligence and low-altitude economy.

Evaluation will precisely determine the product's specific field based on national industrial classification standards and strategic planning requirements, focusing on the product's technological leadership, market share, and contribution to industrial development. For example, whether the product has won national awards or participated in industry standard setting.

In summary, SMEs applying for specialization and innovation certification should thoroughly understand and accurately grasp each indicator requirement, address deficiencies, highlight strengths, and fully prepare for application, striving towards the goal of specialization and innovation.

To切实提高认定通过率, enterprises must start planning and preparation early,精心布局, to stand out in intense competition.

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