(Yicai) July 22 -- PwC China today announced the establishment of an artificial intelligence research institute in Shanghai to strengthen its AI capabilities in the Chinese market by combining locally tailored solutions with the firm's global resources.

The institute is intended to serve as PwC China's flagship AI platform, supporting Chinese enterprises' digital and intelligent transformation while connecting China's AI innovation ecosystem with global markets. The initiative comes as AI adoption accelerates across industries and businesses seek practical deployment strategies.

The Chinese arm of one of the "Big Four" accounting firms also unveiled an industry ecosystem cooperation plan under which it will establish a bilateral partnership with Huawei Cloud while deepening existing collaborations with SAP and Microsoft. The company said the initiative aims to strengthen its technology ecosystem and explore new ways to enhance industry service value.

The institute will focus on several core areas, including cutting-edge research, AI-enabled intelligent manufacturing, ecosystem partnerships, industry exchanges, and talent development. It will help enterprises develop AI implementation strategies tailored to their business needs and accelerate their AI transformation.

China's strengths in AI research and development, commercial application, and ecosystem development have made it one of the world's leading innovation hubs, according to Hemione Hudson, chairwoman and chief executive of PwC China.

The establishment of this institute is intended to support the digital and intelligent upgrading of Chinese enterprises at a critical stage in AI innovation, while better connecting Chinese AI technology with global market demand and helping unlock the global value of China's AI innovation, Hudson said.

Editor: Emmi Laine