context: The notion of 'industry chain chiefs' is gaining traction, following its inclusion in Guangdong province's 5-year plan in January 2021. As with the systems of 'river chiefs', 'forest chiefs' and 'farmland chiefs', 'industry chain chiefs' are responsible for liaising between several agencies to ensure the coordinated development of a local industry chain, responding to Beijing's emphasis on supply chain security and the dual circulation system. This military-style, task-oriented assignment continues the government overhaul that began in 2018.
Hubei, Jilin, Tianjin and Shenzhen issued policies last month to make top local officials responsible for entire industry chains, reports Shanghai Securities News. Encouraging upgrading and innovation is often among the tasks of an 'industry chain chief', says the report. Yichun city in Jiangxi requires its chiefs to get firms to invest in R&D, help SMEs get funds to buy equipment and mend R&D weaknesses. Many localities also focus on strategic emerging industries, notes Wang Bin 汪斌 Beijing High Precision Science and Technology Development Academy director.
Visiting an exhibition of innovative, high-end equipment produced by central SOEs at the China Academy of Machinery Science and Technology, Hao Peng 郝鹏 SASAC (State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission) secretary general called for
- studying Xi Jinping's remarks on the PRC becoming 'a manufacturing powerhouse'
- persisting in innovation-driven development
- intensifying research efforts
- striving to create a 'ground zero' for original equipment manufacturing and 'industry chain chiefs' for modern industrial chains
- realising high-end technological self-reliance