An EV battery workshop in Lishui District, Nanjing. (Photo/CFP)

Nanjing has recently introduced 15 measures aimed at boosting the development of its specialized, refined, differential and innovative (SRDI) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), commonly known as “Little Giants”.

The measures focus on five areas - enhancing innovation capacity, strengthening fiscal and financial support, promoting digital transformation and green growth, advancing market expansion, and improving services.

The city will strengthen support for technological innovation and promote the upgrading of R&D institutions within SMEs. It will encourage collaborative innovation between universities and enterprises, supporting models such as "use first, pay later" to grant companies access to science and technology achievements. Banks will be guided to offer streamlined approval to improve financing access for businesses.