In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and applications experienced rapid development, emerging as a pivotal driving force in the new wave of scientific and industrial transformation. CITIC Limited is committed to leading the development of new quality productive forces through technological innovation, closely following the forefront of technological advancements. The company is accelerating the establishment of a strategic sci-tech innovation ecosystem with distinctive CITIC characteristics, yielding technological breakthroughs that demonstrate concurrent quantitative expansion and qualitative enhancement.
CITIC Dicastal’s solution for integrated lightweight aluminium automotive parts
Accelerating the enhancement of the technological innovation system CITIC Limited is enhancing the coordination of its technological innovation efforts by establishing institutions such as the Technology Innovation Committee, Association for science and technology, and the Digitalisation Committee. The company is strengthening platform capabilities and solidifying the foundation for digital transformation, while advancing the construction of group-level data centres, security operation center, and High Performance Computing Center. It is also focusing on the establishment of two State Key Laboratories. Furthermore, CITIC Limited is fostering collaboration between industries, universities, and research institutes to leverage ecosystem strengths and accelerate the development and transformation of technological achievements.
Enhancing the support and service capabilities for technological innovation In 2024, CITIC Limited has sustained diversified growth in R&D input, with annual technology expenditure reaching RMB 25.2 billion yuan and R&D intensity hitting 3.34%. Special research funding kept on supporting Major program, alongside the implementation of rewards for technological achievements. For two consecutive years, the “Blooming Cup” competition has been held to inspire innovation and set a benchmark for the transformation of traditional industries.
Promoting the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” Initiative For three consecutive years, CITIC Limited has collaborated with subsidiaries to participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), showcasing the achievements of digital transformation. Leveraging its unique advantages of diverse business models and scenarios, and data abundance, CITIC has been actively advancing the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” initiative. This includes promoting the implementation of intelligent applications in various areas such as investment research, risk control, industrial vision, publishing and marketing, and agricultural breeding.
In 2024, CITIC Limited Won 44 national, provincial, and industry-level technology awards, with three factories selected as part of the first batch of national-level outstanding smart factories.
Chasing “intelligence” and pursuing “green”: CITIC unveiling 3 “Global Lighthouses” The selection of “Global Lighthouse” was jointly initiated by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company in 2018. Selected companies are recognised as models of global digital advanced manufacturing, distinguished by their exceptional productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Out of 189 “Lighthouses” worldwide, 79 are located in China.
CITIC Limited places significant emphasis on the new opportunities arising from the latest technological revolution and industrial transformation. It closely monitors emerging technologies and trends, including artificial intelligence and green low-carbon initiatives, while systematically advancing technological innovation and digital transformation. Over the past five years, CITIC has established 3 “Global Lighthouses”, each being the first of its kind in its respective industry or region, significantly promoting the high-end, intelligent and environmentally friendly development of the manufacturing sector.
CITIC Limited places significant emphasis on the new opportunities arising from the latest technological revolution and industrial transformation. It closely monitors emerging technologies and trends, including artificial intelligence and green low-carbon initiatives, while systematically advancing technological innovation and digital transformation. Over the past five years, CITIC has established 3 “Global Lighthouses”, each being the first of its kind in its respective industry or region, significantly promoting the high-end, intelligent and environmentally friendly development of the manufacturing sector.
CITIC Dicastal’s Morocco factory: Africa’s first “Global Lighthouse” At the factory, AI technology and big data are seamlessly integrated throughout the entire production chain, effectively tackling industry-level challenges such as control in the casting process, product weight management, detection of internal and external defects, intelligent mould maintenance and energy resource management. As a result, the overall equipment efficiency has increased by 17%, while the product defect rate has decreased by 31.1%.
CITIC Dicastal’s Morocco factory
CITIC Dicastal’s aluminum wheel factory No.6: The world’s first “Lighthouse” in the aluminium wheel industry This factory employs advanced technologies such as AI, 5G, and big data to establish a digital lean management platform. Key processes across the production line utilise intelligent adjustment systems, replacing manual maintenance and allowing for real-time, precise detection and self-learning. The system continuously optimises knowledge graphs, consolidating process expertise and reducing reliance on manual skills. As a result, overall equipment efficiency has improved by 21.4%, while the product defect rate has decreased by 20.9%.
CITIC Dicastal’s aluminum wheel factory No.6
CITIC Pacific Special Steel: The world’s first “Lighthouse” in the special steel industry This factory has deployed advanced initiatives, including big data analytics for customised manufacturing processes, multimodal simulation achieving blast furnace “black-box transparency”, intelligent closed-loop control to continuously improve steel product quality, AI-powered efficient manufacturing in rolling processes, and energy optimisation driven by advanced analytics. Together, these efforts have established a new manufacturing model characterised by efficient collaboration, intelligent integration, and low-carbon synergy. As a result, the factory has experienced a 35.3% increase in customised orders, a 47.3% reduction in product defect rates, and a 10.5% decrease in energy consumption per tonne of steel, achieving a seamless integration of high customisation, quality, efficiency and sustainability.
Looking ahead, CITIC Limited plans to replicate and promote the “lighthouse experience” across various domestic and international business sectors, aiming to illuminate more “lighthouses”. The goal is to create a leading technology-driven group, meanwhile significantly contributes to building China into a manufacturer of quality.
Looking ahead, CITIC Limited plans to replicate and promote the “lighthouse experience” across various domestic and international business sectors, aiming to illuminate more “lighthouses”. The goal is to create a leading technology-driven group, meanwhile significantly contributes to building China into a manufacturer of quality.
CITIC Pacific Special Steel digital intelligence centre