Development of Artificial Intelligence Chips in China

Artificial intelligence (AI) chips are the core hardware supporting the development of intelligent technologies and their technological advancements hold significant importance for national scientific innovation, industrial development, and economic growth. This study summarizes the global development trends of AI chips from three perspectives: cloud AI chips, edge AI chips, and neuromorphic chips. It analyzes the application demands of AI chips in China and reviews the current status and development trends of related industries and technologies from the aspects of chip design, manufacturing, and packaging and testing. Currently, AI chips manufactured in China have shortcomings in terms of performance, technologies, and supply chain, necessitating independent innovation and industrial collaboration. The development of these chips also encounters challenges such as high costs and long cycles, requiring stable financing channels and the accumulation of development experiences. Moreover, the AI chip sector in China suffers from a talent shortage, demanding improved training quality and better talent-retaining strategies. Accordingly, this study proposes development paths for China’s AI chip industry, including overcoming technical bottlenecks, accelerating industrialization, expanding internationalization, and implementing market support. Key measures include advancing technological innovation and major project development, fostering new chip architectures and open-source industry ecosystems, establishing technical standards, and promoting the integration of industry, education, and research. These efforts aim to drive the sustainable and high-quality development of China’s AI chip industry.