Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Launches Special Initiative to Cultivate AI Application Service Providers, Boosting Procurement of Large Models and Token Services

The General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued a notice on August 31 regarding the launch of a special initiative to cultivate artificial intelligence application service providers.

The notice sets clear targets: by the end of 2026, the number of service providers within the national resource pool is expected to exceed 2,000. By the end of 2027, this number should reach no fewer than 3,000, supporting the formation of an AI application service ecosystem that features full-factor collaboration, full-chain integration, and full-scenario coverage.

According to the official definition, AI application service providers are enterprises or institutions that address the intelligent needs of user units by offering services such as consulting and planning, delivery and implementation, operations management, and security governance for AI solution providers.

The initiative outlines four key tasks: establishing a provider resource pool, enhancing service supply capabilities, driving large-scale application deployment, and strengthening support mechanisms for service providers.

The MIIT will organize service providers to lead the formation of "AI application service teams" focused on model-data resonance and computing-power coordination models. It also plans to guide providers in developing modular, standardized solution packages targeting high-frequency, essential, and reusable business scenarios to create a batch of "small, fast, light, and precise" AI products and services.

Additionally, the initiative encourages exploring procurement models such as first-purchase-first-use and risk compensation to increase spending on large models, intelligent agents, and token services, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of model adoption across industries.

In regions with favorable conditions, comprehensive "going global" service systems will be established, leveraging cooperation platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS, and China-ASEAN mechanisms to facilitate the overseas deployment of high-quality AI application projects. Service providers are also encouraged to strengthen connections with national computing network hub nodes, national computing interconnection nodes, and the China Computing Power Platform while utilizing policy tools like "computing vouchers" to lower computing costs.