China's Digital Transformation Vision Emphasises Urban Innovation At Global Conference

China is set to boost its technological innovation efforts, aiming to share original technologies and promote digital urban transformation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop new productive forces. Zhuang Rongwen, Head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, emphasised the importance of integrating scientific and industrial innovations and using technologies like artificial intelligence for urban management advancements.

The Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 commenced in Beijing with the theme "Building a Digital-Friendly City." The event attracted over 300 international participants from more than 50 countries and key international organisations. During the opening ceremony, Zhuang highlighted the need to develop new productive forces based on local conditions and leverage emerging technologies for urban innovation.

Liu Liehong, Director of the National Data Administration (NDA), stressed the importance of data elements and digital technologies in managing urban emergencies and safety. He called for reforms in data circulation and utilisation to support market-oriented data resource allocation, which is crucial for the digital economy's innovative growth.

China has introduced guidelines to support smart city development and urban digital transformation. These guidelines aim to improve urban governance efficiency. By 2027, China plans to make significant progress in transforming urban areas digitally, establishing several liveable, resilient, and smart cities.

The Digital China Development Report 2024 revealed that in 2024, core industries within China's digital economy contributed about 10 percent to the gross domestic product. The total data output reached 41.06 zettabytes, marking a substantial 25 percent increase from the previous year.

Zhuang Rongwen noted that strengthening sci-tech innovation's integration with industrial innovation is crucial for developing quality productive forces tailored to local needs. This approach will help harness new technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance urban management practices.

The conference underscored China's commitment to fostering technological advancements and sharing innovative applications globally. These efforts aim to create a robust foundation for future economic growth driven by digital transformation.

With inputs from WAM