Consultancy firm unveils list of China's AI leaders

China's rapid integration of artificial intelligence into manufacturing, healthcare and consumer industries is creating a development model that offers lessons for global businesses, according to research by global consultancy firm Gartner.

The company has unveiled its "Gartner China AI 25" list, which identifies 25 Chinese companies at the forefront of applying AI technologies across products, services and research.

"China's unique large-scale AI experimentation is being transformed into enterprise insights with global reference value," said Mike Fang, a senior analyst at Gartner.

Rather than focusing solely on software or large language models, many of the selected companies are embedding AI into real-world industrial scenarios, ranging from intelligent manufacturing and autonomous mobility to smart energy systems and next-generation consumer products.

According to Fang, one of China's biggest strengths lies in its ability to connect innovation across the entire industrial chain.

"From sensors and hardware components to robotics and Internet of Things platforms, intelligence is amplified through the collaboration of upstream, midstream and downstream industries," he said.

He also pointed to China's abundant engineering talent, vast consumer market and rapidly evolving digital platforms as key advantages that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

"China has a large pool of AI talent and a massive user base that continuously helps improve products through real-world adoption and feedback," Fang said.

Policymakers in China have repeatedly stressed the importance of integrating AI with the real economy, particularly in advanced manufacturing and strategic emerging industries, as part of the country's "AI+" strategy.

For multinational companies, Fang said China's AI ecosystem may also provide valuable opportunities for global innovation.

"International companies can leverage China's talent and data resources to optimize their global products," he said.

"Many of China's AI practices are highly instructive for businesses around the world."

According to the company, the final "Gartner China AI 25" selection was based on multiple criteria, including leadership vision, AI products and services, research and development capabilities, talent readiness, research innovation, and the strength of companies' ecosystem, data and business-model moats.

lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn