China Unveils Three-Year Digitalization Action Plan for Printing Industry (2025–2027)

BEIJING, April 8, 2026 – The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) of China has officially launched the Three-Year Digitalization Action Plan for Printing Industry (2025–2027), a landmark policy to drive intelligent transformation and upgrade the sector’s global competitiveness.

Released in June 2025 and now entering full implementation, the plan establishes a framework of “Evaluation – Innovation – Service” to reshape the printing ecosystem. It targets breakthroughs in core technologies such as high-speed inkjet printheads and variable data processing, while promoting smart production scheduling, AI-powered online quality inspection, and digital workflow integration.

By 2027, the initiative aims to build a national printing data center, expand smart factories, and upgrade digital management systems across the value chain. It classifies enterprises into three tiers—leading enterprises, large-scale firms, and SMEs—for tailored digital upgrades, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Key measures include revising the Digital Printing Management Measures, updating equipment catalogs, and fostering digital talent through industry-academia cooperation国家新闻出版署.

The plan underscores China’s push for data-driven, green, and intelligent printing to develop new quality productive forces. With full implementation underway, the industry is poised to reduce labor dependency, enhance production efficiency, and strengthen its position in global packaging and printing markets.