China Reports 2024 Patent-Intensive Industries Added Value at RMB 18 Trillion

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced on December 31, 2025, that the added value of patent-intensive industries in China for the year 2024 reached a significant **18,038.1 billion RMB**. This figure represents **13.38%** of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), marking an increase of **0.34 percentage points** compared to the previous year.

The report outlines that the **new equipment manufacturing industry** led the way with an added value of **5,137.7 billion RMB**, accounting for **28.5%** of the total added value from patent-intensive industries. Following closely, the **information and communication technology service industry** contributed **4,370.9 billion RMB**, or **24.2%**, while the **information and communication technology manufacturing industry** accounted for **3,588.5 billion RMB**, representing **19.9%** of the total.

Understanding Patent-Intensive Industries

Patent-intensive industries include sectors that meet specific criteria relating to invention patent density and scale. These industries rely on intellectual property rights to compete in the market and align with China’s innovation-driven development strategy. The added value generated by these industries refers to the economic output created by all resident units engaged in these sectors over a specified period.

A resident unit is defined as any economic entity with a significant economic interest within China. The production activities involve creating new goods and services through the effective utilization of labor and capital, overseen by institutional management.

Classification and Methodology

The classification of patent-intensive industries follows the **Statistical Classification of Intellectual Property (Patent) Intensive Industries** established in 2019. This framework categorizes industries into seven major sectors based on their economic activities:

1. Information and communication technology manufacturing
2. Information and communication technology services
3. New equipment manufacturing
4. New materials manufacturing
5. Pharmaceutical and medical industries
6. Environmental protection industries
7. Research and development, design, and technical services

Within these categories, there are **188 subcategories** that provide a more detailed breakdown of national economic activities.

The calculation of added value for these industries employs the income approach, drawing on data from the national economic census, various professional statistics provided by the NBS, and broader national economic accounting data. This comprehensive methodology ensures that the figures reported reflect an accurate representation of the economic contribution from patent-intensive sectors.

As China continues to emphasize innovation and intellectual property rights, the growth of patent-intensive industries plays a crucial role in the overall economic landscape, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing its position in the global market.