With robust AI infrastructure and their inherent strengths, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can innovate and introduce unique products and business models in niche markets, enabling them to outpace competitors and capture market share. Numerous successful businesses have thrived by harnessing technological advancements, particularly through AI models, which have transformed research and development, production, and supply chain processes across various industries.
Often seen as the backbone of the Chinese economy, SMEs are primary beneficiaries of large AI models. By employing AI-powered intelligent office tools, SMEs can create versatile virtual employees that function as "super assistants," managing tasks such as video production, creative writing, translation, data analysis, design, and programming. In manufacturing, AI models are redefining industry workflows, shifting the way products are designed and produced.
Furthermore, analyzing user behavior allows SMEs to implement intelligent recommendation systems, enhancing user experiences and boosting conversion rates. Across sectors like finance, transportation, healthcare, and government services, AI models are becoming central to technological competition, new industry developments, and economic growth.
Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Sinovation Ventures, has noted that by 2033, 40% of jobs could be replaced by AI and automation technologies. Jiang Dainan, Secretary-General of the Qingdao Artificial Intelligence Industry Association, encourages Qingdao's SMEs to adopt AI model tools. By embracing AI with agility, SMEs can capitalize on growth opportunities in a constantly changing landscape.
In many sectors, swift implementation of AI technologies can leave competitors behind. In the near term, generative AI primarily enhances efficiency; in the long term, it may reshape existing business models. A notable trend is the rise of smaller, agile companies achieving remarkable success, such as OpenAI, which, with just 300 employees, reached a valuation exceeding $100 billion. Similarly, Midjourney, an AI drawing software company, operated with only 11 team members, gained millions of users within a year, and generated over $100 million in annual revenue without external funding.
For Qingdao's SMEs, leveraging AI large models is vital for driving intelligent growth. As 2024 approaches—anticipated to be a pivotal year for practical AI applications—leading Chinese AI providers have begun lowering prices. Major companies like ByteDance, Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, and 360 have recently reduced their AI model costs.
Today, most consumers can access AI large models via official websites or mobile apps free of charge, while pricing for SMEs remains relatively low, fostering opportunities for AI integration across various industries. Qingdao is actively promoting its AI sector, working to establish a national innovation application pilot area recognized as one of ten emerging sectors in the city's 24 key industrial chains. This includes enhanced coordination, support for specialized parks, and the establishment of a robust policy framework to facilitate industry growth and real-world applications.
In 2023, Qingdao's AI sector generated over 68 billion yuan in revenue, marking a 34% increase from the previous year. The city has introduced the country's first comprehensive support policy for AI industrial park development. In late May, Qingdao's Department of Industry and Information Technology announced the "Qingdao AI Industry Innovation Development Action Plan (2024-2026)," underscoring the emergence of the "AI+" era and a commitment to adopting new technologies for the next industrial revolution.
Looking ahead, Qingdao plans to cultivate leading AI enterprises and specialized SMEs, aiming for integration across businesses of all sizes. By 2026, ten AI-focused innovation hubs are expected to be established. Like the internet revolution, large AI models are driving a new wave of technological innovation and industry transformation. The primary challenge now lies in effectively integrating these advanced models across various sectors.
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