The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has determined to strengthen the management of the building materials industry

Experts from various sectors have recently shared their insights on the development challenges and future directions of China's inorganic non-metallic new materials industry. Yu Guobo, deputy general manager of Sinoma Group Co., Ltd., highlighted that while the group’s new material sector has seen rapid growth, its profitability remains limited. In 2012, the segment generated around 15 billion yuan in sales revenue, but it lacked strong returns. From a national perspective, he emphasized the need for clearer strategies to support the entire supply chain, not just R&D. He pointed out that past efforts mainly focused on universities and research institutes, but there was insufficient support for moving from pilot projects to full-scale production. Xu Jian, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Chemistry, stressed that promoting this industry requires strategic planning, identifying key materials, and addressing gaps between domestic and international R&D capabilities. He also called for leveraging opportunities from urbanization and marine development. Xue Zhongmin, vice chairman of Sinoma Materials Science and Technology, added that leading companies should take more responsibility in integrated innovation and participate actively in major scientific projects. He also suggested the urgent need for a public platform to integrate R&D resources. Liu Changfa, an expert in the field, pointed out that the main issue lies in the misalignment between material development and application. He proposed expanding application areas, solving equipment and material problems, and accelerating innovation to overcome high-tech dependencies in countries like the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He also urged the government to shift support from research institutions to SMEs and focus more on pilot and industrialization stages. Zhou Ji, a professor at Tsinghua University, noted that unstable raw material quality and outdated equipment are significant obstacles. He stressed the need for new strategies and interdisciplinary research to improve the quality of high-end inorganic non-metallic materials. Chen Kexin from the National Natural Science Foundation pointed to the problem of poor-quality raw material powders as a key challenge. Li Hongxia from China National Iron and Steel Corporation emphasized the importance of aligning material development with user needs and encouraging first-time applications through policy incentives. Zhu Jianxun, vice president of technology at a leading firm, called for tax incentives for companies that adopt domestic new materials. Li Hongxia also raised concerns about intellectual property protection in the refractories industry, noting that many companies lack motivation to invest in R&D. Liu Ying from Sinoma Technology pointed out that the industry is fragmented, with small businesses often relying on tax evasion and talent poaching. She argued that improving the industrial order and protecting IP rights are essential for faster development. Liu Changfa reiterated that the government's role should focus on regulating the industry and protecting independent intellectual property. Pan Aihua, representing the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, praised the experts' proposals and outlined upcoming policies focusing on standards, quality, branding, and IP protection. He emphasized that the new materials industry must develop in coordination with downstream sectors and remain closely tied to the application of non-metallic mineral products. He also called for greater awareness and research into major industry issues aligned with societal trends.