During a recent meeting focused on advancing the high-quality development of the software and information technology service industry, Dalian proposed mobilizing the entire city to rejuvenate this sector and strengthen its modern industrial system using Dalian's unique strengths.

Dalian's software industry was once a standout success. Since the establishment of Dalian Software Park in 1998, the industry quickly expanded from a market value of 200 million yuan ($27.56 million) to 100 billion yuan. However, due to intense competition and rapid technological advancements, the city's once-leading position has diminished.

Dalian is well-positioned to revitalize its software industry, with a robust industrial foundation, abundant talent, diverse application scenarios, strong policy support, and significant growth potential.

The city currently hosts 17 national manufacturing champions, 81 national-level specialized and sophisticated "little giant" enterprises (novel and elite small and medium-sized enterprises that specialize in niche markets) three national intelligent manufacturing demonstration factories, 93 provincial digital workshops and intelligent factories, 32 provincial industrial internet platforms, 10 municipal manufacturing innovation centers, 259 enterprise technology centers at the municipal level or above, and 100 industrial design centers at the municipal level or above.

The next-generation information technology industry in Dalian is thriving. The electronic information manufacturing sector has developed an industrial chain focused on integrated circuits, new components, digital audiovisual, and applied electronics. The software and information technology service sector includes over 3,000 companies employing more than 200,000 people, with an industrial cluster exceeding 100 billion yuan.

Dalian also hosts 145 Fortune 500 companies and notable industry leaders such as Accenture, IBM, HP, Genpact, and Panasonic, serving clients across Northeast Asia, North America, Europe, and other regions. Over 150 companies in Dalian are engaged in artificial intelligence, offering more than 30 competitive products and industry solutions in fields such as intelligent robotics, smart manufacturing, intelligent connected vehicles, and intelligent healthcare.

To accelerate the development of new quality productive forces and support the city’s modern industrial system, Dalian plans to leverage its high-tech zone to enhance research and development in industrial software, new application software, basic software, and network security software. The city aims to strengthen and expand its product offerings, increase the added value of the information technology service industry, meet the digital transformation needs of various other industries, upgrade the software outsourcing industry, and improve the sector's resilience.

Aligned with policies supporting the high-quality development of the software and information technology services industry, Dalian will strategically forge new industrial pathways combining "1" (information service industry) with "4" (artificial intelligence, industrial Internet, internet of vehicles, and data industry). This initiative seeks to deeply integrate artificial intelligence, large language models, and other cutting-edge technologies to drive intelligent industry growth.