Competitiveness

China’s competitiveness lies in its high production capacity, low prices, extensive product categories and efficient delivery. These advantages stem from several factors. For example, each assistive product has multiple dedicated manufacturing hubs in China, supported by local government initiatives such as subsidies, tax incentives, accelerated product approval and specialized industrial parks that centralize resources for production, warehousing, logistics, quality inspection and R&D. Other factors include productive labour, low-cost logistics, a comprehensive supply chain and rich OEM/ODM experience in AT manufacturing.

In addition, China is strategically upgrading its AT innovation capabilities, transitioning from its historical concentration on low-to-mid product models. A study in 2023 shows that most Chinese AT suppliers used to have few patents, with many copying products they previously manufactured for global brands [12]. This resulted in low product differentiation, intense price competition, and low brand awareness in the global market.

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The industry recognizes the need for innovation and industrial upgrading, evidenced by growing AT exhibitions, contests and innovation hubs. Many research institutions and manufacturers are also launching related innovation projects. However, commercializing these products and achieving large scale industrial transformation will require a longer time.

Table 4: Examples of assistive technology innovation events in China

Name Main organizer Description
Exchange Event for Promoting Innovative AT for PWDs China Association of Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons and CADTC
  • Hosted annually at the Care & Rehabilitation Expo China since 2023.
  • In 2023 and 2024, 92 and 74 innovative products were selected respectively. Categories covered hearing aids, wheelchairs, digital devices, prostheses, among others [13] [14].
Shenzhen AT Design Innovation Competition Shenzhen Municipal Disabled Persons' Federation
  • Held annually since 2022, open to nationwide and international participants [15].
  • Attracts 400 contestants yearly, with about 40 finalists selected, featuring products like screen readers, smart hearing aid fitting, 3D printing sockets, and rehabilitation robotics [16].
Hubei Province Assistive Device Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Competition for People with Disabilities [17] Hu Bei Disabled Persons’ Federation
  • Hosted annually for 4 years.
  • In 2023, around 170 contestants participated, and 33 made it into the finals.
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Yangtze River Delta Region “Technology for Disability” Assistive Product Innovation Competition [18] Zhejiang Provincial Disabled Persons’ Federation
  • Held for the first time in 2024 at Alibaba Group.
  • Held alongside the China Zhejiang Future Tech Parasports Games, the competition focused on the innovations for sports. A total of 19 products were selected as finalists.
Jiangsu Province “Technology for Disability” Assistive Product Innovation Competition [19] Jiangsu Disabled Persons’ Federation
  • Held for the first time in 2024.
  • The winners can further participate in the Yangtze River Delta Region Competition.

Table 5: Examples of assistive product innovation hubs in China

Name Description
China Assistive Devices and Technology Center for Persons with Disabilities
  • Owns innovation projects related to AT for Persons with disabilities.
  • Provides financial and technical support to selected AT innovation projects [20].
National Research Centre for Rehabilitation Technical Aids
  • Owns or collaborates with academic institutions on rehabilitation assistive products innovation projects
Greater Bay Area Assistive Device Innovation Centre [21]
  • Launched in 2022 in Shenzhen and has already attracted several AT innovators [22].
  • Hosts several departments, such as the Industrial Transformation Centre, 3D Printing Innovation Centre, and Industrial Design Innovation Centre [23].
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Institute for Accessibility Development, Tsinghua University
  • Official partnership signed with China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDFP) in Dec 2024 [24].
  • The partnership will focus on innovation relevant to rehabilitation and accessible environments.
Zhejiang University
  • Official partnership signed with CDPF in Nov 2024.
  • The partnership will focus on "Technology for Disability," specifically on using big data, artificial intelligence, and brain-computer interface applications in AT [25].
University of Science and Technology of China
  • Official partnership signed with CDPF in Dec 2024.
  • The partnership will focus on the R&D and commercialization of key innovative AT, specifically in communication, motor function recovery and accessible travel [26].