Lei Jun, Xiaomi's CEO, Highlights Decade of R&D Investment and High-End Strategy Driving China's Manufacturing Advancements

Lei Jun, Xiaomi's CEO, Highlights Decade of R&D Investment and High-End Strategy Driving China's Manufacturing AdvancementsLei Jun, founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group and a National People's Congress (NPC) deputy, shared the results and future plans of Xiaomi's massive five-year R&D investment and its high-end strategy at the first "Deputy's Channel" session of the 14th NPC's third session. He revealed that Xiaomi invested over RMB 105 billion in R&D over the past five years

Lei Jun, Xiaomi's CEO, Highlights Decade of R&D Investment and High-End Strategy Driving China's Manufacturing Advancements

Lei Jun, founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group and a National People's Congress (NPC) deputy, shared the results and future plans of Xiaomi's massive five-year R&D investment and its high-end strategy at the first "Deputy's Channel" session of the 14th NPC's third session. He revealed that Xiaomi invested over RMB 105 billion in R&D over the past five years. This significant investment has propelled Xiaomi's remarkable achievements in the global smartphone market and contributed to the high-quality development of China's manufacturing industry.

Lei Jun presented Xiaomi's impressive performance: Xiaomi smartphones have consistently ranked among the top three globally for 18 consecutive quarters, achieving sales of 170 million units in 2023, capturing a 14% global market share meaning one in seven smartphones sold globally is a Xiaomi phone. This success stems from Xiaomi's unwavering commitment to technological innovation.

Five years ago, we made the decision to significantly increase our investment in technological innovation and core technologies. We planned to invest RMB 100 billion over five years, and we ended up investing approximately RMB 105 billion, Lei Jun emphasized the crucial role of R&D investment in Xiaomi's growth. This substantial investment is not merely financial expenditure; it represents a long-term commitment to technological innovation and continuous improvement of Xiaomi's technological capabilities. The investment extends beyond R&D equipment and employee salaries, encompassing exploration of fundamental scientific research and cutting-edge technologies. It reflects Xiaomi's foresight and strategic planning for future technological development, laying a solid foundation for maintaining a leading position in the intensely competitive market.

Lei Jun highlighted that Xiaomi's success isn't accidental but the result of its persistent commitment to technological innovation and a high-end development strategy. He stated that Xiaomi aims to transcend the mid-to-low-end market and aggressively pursue breakthroughs in the high-end segment. Recent Xiaomi flagship phones, such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, priced starting from RMB 6,499, mark a significant foray into the RMB 6,000+ price bracket.

Discussing Xiaomi's high-end strategy, Lei Jun cited Lu Weibing, Xiaomi Group Partner, President, President of the Mobile Phone Department, and General Manager of Xiaomi Brand, who recently summarized the strategy's phased achievements at a product launch: "Over the past five years, Xiaomi's high-end strategy has progressed from establishing a firm foothold in the RMB 4,000-6,000 range to challenging the RMB 6,000+ segment." This demonstrates Xiaomi's steady progress in the high-end market, a result of long-term accumulation and effort. Lu Weibing further outlined the five-year goal: "In the next five years, Xiaomi aims to achieve a comprehensive breakthrough in the RMB 6,000+ ultra-high-end segment." This showcases Xiaomi's unwavering determination and confidence in its continued advance into the high-end market.

Lei Jun also shared his insights on China's manufacturing sector and national development. He emphasized: "Manufacturing is the foundation and cornerstone of our nation's strength. As a builder and beneficiary of the manufacturing industry, Xiaomi will continue to pursue technological innovation and high-end development, cultivate new productive forces, apply the latest AI technologies to various terminals, allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of technology, and contribute to the development of Chinese-style modernization." This statement reflects Xiaomi's sense of responsibility and commitment to national development and social progress as a national enterprise.

Xiaomi's application of the latest AI technologies across its product line isn't just a simple technological upgrade; it demonstrates Xiaomi's accurate grasp of future technological trends. The application of AI not only enhances product performance and user experience but also provides consumers with a more convenient and intelligent lifestyle. This aligns perfectly with Xiaomi's long-standing commitment to "technology-centricity" and embodies its dedication to social responsibility.

Xiaomi's decade-long investment of billions in R&D and its continuous pursuit of a high-end strategy are not only pivotal to its own development but also epitomize the transformation and upgrading of China's manufacturing industry. It showcases the remarkable achievements of Chinese companies in technological innovation and high-end manufacturing, providing valuable experience and guidance for other Chinese enterprises. Xiaomi's success is not merely reflected in its increased market share but also in its contribution to China's manufacturing sector and its promotion of national technological advancement.

Lei Jun's remarks at the "Deputy's Channel" not only showcase Xiaomi's outstanding achievements but also express the company's confidence and determination for the future. Xiaomi will continue to pursue technological innovation, relentlessly advance its high-end strategy, provide consumers with better products and services, contribute to the vigorous development of China's manufacturing industry, and contribute to the grand process of Chinese-style modernization. Xiaomi's future development is worth watching. The decade of billions in investment is not an endpoint but a new starting point for Xiaomi's pursuit of even greater goals, continuing to lead Chinese manufacturing onto the world stage. Xiaomi's success will undoubtedly inspire more Chinese companies to be bold in innovation and breakthroughs, contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This is not just Xiaomi's story, but also the story of the rise of China's technological prowess.