The General Office of the State Council (China's Cabinet) released Opinions on Strengthening Corporate Innovative Capacities on February 4th, stipulating that invention patent applications and grants filed by Chinese enterprises are expected to double in 2015.

The objectives included in the Opinions are to establish an enterprise-based, market-oriented innovative system in 2015. The proportion of the research investment to business revenues of medium and large-scale industries should reach 1.5%. Leaders of enterprises should bear full responsibility for technological research and development, brand building, innovative capacity and core competitiveness improvement. The application of new technologies, materials, crafts, models and high-end equipment should be properly promoted. The national pilot programs on high technology, patent commercialization, and cultural innovations should be actively implemented. Strategic new emerging industries should be strongly facilitated. Moreover, intellectual property collateralized loans should be fully supported so that micro and small enterprises could have a more fair market environment.

The Opinions also encourage enterprises to conduct international cooperation through patent cross-border licensing and to file international submissions.

The Opinions highlight the importance of enhancing intellectual property protection and combating violations in accordance with laws.

The Opinions also provide guidelines on facilitating enterprises to invest more in creating technological innovations, establishing research institutions, commercializing patents, fostering small and medium-sized enterprises, and cultivating talents.