1. Definition and Certification Background of Technology-Based SMEs

A science and technology-based small and medium-sized enterprise (ST-SME) is an SME that relies on a team of qualified R&D personnel to conduct scientific research and development activities, obtains intellectual property rights, transforms them into products or services, and achieves sustainable growth. According to the "Evaluation Measures for Science and Technology-Based Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" jointly issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Administration of Taxation, ST-SMEs are certified using an evaluation index system covering three key dimensions: R&D personnel, R&D investment, and technological achievements.

For enterprises in Inner Mongolia, obtaining recognition as a technology-based SME is not only an official endorsement of innovation capabilities but also a prerequisite for accessing tax incentives and policy support. In recent years, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Department of Science and Technology has continuously optimized the evaluation process to bring more small and medium-sized enterprises into the national database of technology-based SMEs, advancing the region's innovation-driven development strategy.

II. Basic Conditions for Declaring Technology-Based Small and Medium Enterprises in Inner Mongolia

Before applying, ensure your enterprise meets the following basic requirements:

• Registered address requirements:A resident enterprise legally registered within the administrative region of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with independent legal person status;
• Employee Count:Total number of employees does not exceed 500.
• Revenue:Annual sales revenue not exceeding 2 billion yuan;
• Total Assets:Total assets shall not exceed 2 billion yuan;
• ComplianceThe enterprise has not experienced any major safety or quality incidents, serious environmental violations, or severe research misconduct in the past year, and is not listed on the abnormal business operation list or the list of enterprises with serious dishonesty.
• R&D ActivitiesThe enterprise holds self-developed intellectual property or technical achievements and continues to conduct research and development activities.

Note: The number of employees, sales revenue, and total assets referenced above are based on the enterprise's data from the previous fiscal year. During self-assessment, enterprises must ensure that all indicators fall within the specified ranges.

III. Detailed Overview of the Evaluation Indicator System

The evaluation of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises uses a comprehensive scoring system with a maximum score of 100 points, covering three first-level indicators:

1. Technical Personnel Metrics (Max 20 points)

This indicator measures the proportion of R&D and technical innovation staff relative to the total number of employees for the year. The scoring criteria are as follows:

• Achieve 10% or more in the proportion of technical personnel to earn 20 points.
• The percentage of technical personnel is between 5% and 10%, with scores calculated proportionally.
• The proportion of technical staff is below 5%. No points will be awarded for this item.

The definition of R&D personnel includes technical staff directly engaged in R&D activities, as well as relevant personnel involved in R&D management and technical support. Enterprises must retain complete employment contracts, social security payment records, and job descriptions as supporting documentation.

2. R&D Investment Metrics (Max Score: 50)

R&D investment is the highest-weighted evaluation metric, divided into two sub-items:

• R&D Expense Ratio (Max 30 points):Proportion of total R&D expenses to total sales revenue in the most recent fiscal year. Scores 30 points if the ratio is at least 6%, and proportional scores are awarded for ratios between 3% and 6%.
• R&D Expenditure (Maximum Score: 20 points):Total R&D expenses for the enterprise in the most recent fiscal year. Earn 20 points if expenses reach or exceed 500 million yuan; otherwise, score proportionally between 100 and 500 million yuan.

The scope of R&D expense collection must strictly comply with the regulations outlined in Document No. 2015119 issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation, covering personnel costs, direct input expenses, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, new product design fees, and other related expenses.

3. Scientific and Technological Achievement Indicators (Maximum Score: 30)

This metric evaluates the number of intellectual property rights held by an enterprise and the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements.

• Score higher for holding 1 or more Class I intellectual property rights (e.g., invention patents, new plant varieties, integrated circuit layout designs).
• Earn points based on the quantity of multiple Class II intellectual property rights (e.g., utility model patents, design patents, software copyrights).
• The ability to transfer scientific and technological achievements is also a key evaluation criterion. Companies must provide supporting documentation for such transfers.

IV. Application Process and Key Deadlines

The application process for high-tech SMEs in Inner Mongolia primarily includes the following steps:

1. Information Submission:Log in to the National Platform for Technological Small and Medium Enterprises (www.innostart.cn) using your enterprise account, complete the online enterprise information form, and upload supporting documents.
2. Self-Evaluation:Enterprises self-assess against evaluation criteria, confirming a total score of 60 or higher and a non-zero score for the technology personnel indicator.
3. Local Review:The municipal and prefectural science and technology authorities shall review the materials submitted by enterprises, conducting on-site verification when necessary.
4. Public Announcements:The list of approved enterprises will be published on the website of the provincial science and technology department for a public comment period of generally 10 working days;
5. Inbound ID:After the public notice period concludes with no objections, the enterprise is assigned a registration number for inclusion in the database of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (TSMEs) and officially enters the national TSME pool.

Application periods: Inner Mongolia typically conducts multiple evaluation cycles annually, concentrated in 3–6 and 9–11. We recommend preparing materials in advance and monitoring the official website of the Autonomous Region's Department of Science and Technology for specific announcements.

V. Required Documents List

Enterprises must prepare the following core documents during submission:

• Copy of the duplicate copy of the Business License for Legal Person Entities;
• Employee roster and technical personnel list from the previous year (including education, professional titles, positions, etc.)
• Last year's financial audit report or financial statements (including balance sheet and income statement);
• Special audit report on R&D expenses or auxiliary accounts for R&D expenses;
• Copies of intellectual property certificates (e.g., patent certificates, software copyright registration certificates);
• Proof of technology transfer results (technology transfer contracts, product sales invoices, test reports, etc.);
• R&D project initiation report or resolution document;
• Corporate Credit Commitment Letter

VI. Special Support Policies for Inner Mongolia

In addition to national inclusive policies, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has introduced multiple supporting measures tailored for technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):

• Some cities and prefectures provide one-time fiscal rewards for newly recognized technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises, ranging from 5 to 20 ten thousand yuan.
• Prioritize applications for the Autonomous Region's Science and Technology Plan Projects and Central Government-guided Local Science and Technology Development Fund Projects.
• Priority inclusion in the High-Tech Enterprise Cultivation Database, with a shortened application cycle.
• In some regions, technology innovation vouchers are available to offset costs for services such as testing and inspection, and technical consulting.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long is the validity period for a high-tech small and medium-sized enterprise certification?

High-tech SMEs are subject to an annual evaluation system. The registration number is valid only for the current year. Enterprises must re-evaluate and update their information in the following year to continue enjoying relevant policy benefits.

Q2: Can loss-making enterprises apply?

Yes. Evaluation of technology-based SMEs does not require profitability; eligible enterprises meeting the basic criteria and evaluation indicators may apply. However, loss-making companies must still ensure their R&D expenses are properly collected and supported by complete R&D projects.

Q3: Can I apply without a patent?

Yes. Although Type I intellectual property rights carry higher point values, companies can accumulate points through multiple Type II rights (such as utility model patents and software copyrights). Passing the evaluation requires achieving a total score of at least 60 points.

8. Expert Consultation for Efficient Applications

Applications for high-tech SME certification involve multiple professional domains, including finance, technology, and law. The compliance and completeness of submitted materials directly impact the review outcome. During self-service applications, companies often face obstacles due to insufficient policy understanding or improper R&D expense allocation.

For technical consulting services on registering technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises, please contact Mengzheng Certification at18686047746, Visitwww.mengzhengcertification.topWith extensive experience in enterprise services across Inner Mongolia, we provide one-stop technical support covering condition assessments, document preparation, and end-to-end tracking.