Through its digital platform, Good Doctor Group has achieved integration of the entire industry chain, from raw material procurement to product sales, forming a complete supply chain system. This has increased efficiency and reduced costs while also providing consumers with more convenient and high-quality services.

Liu of the Research Transformation Center at BUCM, likewise stressed efforts to empower the TCM industry's development with advanced technologies. He cited the use of artificial intelligence in areas such as drug manufacturing, testing, quality analysis and clinical care aimed at improving work efficiency and enhancing TCM efficacy. As well, the standards for market access need to be adjusted in accordance with the characteristics of the science and technologies in the TCM sector, Liu added.

"The COVID-19 pandemic greatly raised people's awareness about health. This can serve as a great opportunity for us to further promote the innovation and high-quality development of TCM, such as the chicory products," said Liu, noting that as demand for those products increases, cultivation of the herb will continue to expand while the manufacturing technology and product quality become more standardized.

Zhang, the BUCM professor, said carrying out research on the chicory projects has greatly promoted development of relevant industries in the herb's major producing areas, such as Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, making a significant contribution to China's rural vitalization.