The Shanxi provincial financial department and the Shanxi Science and Technology Department have jointly issued a policy defining the administration of special funds supporting the development of a mass maker space.

Maker is a term coined by the former chief editor of Wired magazine Chris Anderson, which refers to people who turn innovative ideas into creative products stemming from their hobbies and interests. Maker culture is an extension of the do-it-yourself culture, and combines technology, innovation and practice.

China's Premier Li has prioritized maker culture, even mentioning makers when he attended the World Internet Conference in 2014, when he emphasized that innovation creates value. The State Council has decided to provide supportive policies and measures to the development of a "mass maker space", which indicates the growing importance of the maker economy.

The administration rules Shanxi province released this time has clarified related issues about the supporting funds for the "mass maker space" ranging from its basis, management department to subsidy standard and approval procedures.

According to the policy, these funds set aside from the provincial financial budget will be applicable to the "mass maker space" designated by the Shanxi Science and Technology Department as well as small and micro enterprises included in the space.

The subsidies, with the maximum amount not exceeding 1 million yuan ($150,789) will be offered to qualified spaces to compensate for their expenses ranging from the establishment, rebuilding of workshops, leasing of sites, development and purchase of software and hardware and the improvement of service platforms.

This money will also be used to organize events including trainings, forums, consulting and exhibitions.

And for small and micro firms, a fund of no more than 100,000 yuan will be provided to support projects awarded with national or provincial innovation prizes.