As China positions itself at the forefront of global technological advancement, Guangdong Province is emerging as a pivotal epicenter of innovation with its ambitious “Several Measures on Empowering Various Industries with Artificial Intelligence in Guangdong Province.” This strategic policy initiative is integral to China’s national agenda, aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to drive high-quality development and establish a contemporary industrial framework.
China’s Extensive AI Development Trajectory
AI has become a strategic axis of China’s technological advancement and economic policy. At a recent State Council Information Office (SCIO) press conference, significant advancements in AI applications across various sectors like manufacturing and telecommunications were highlighted, reinforcing a national strategy deeply integrating AI into core economic activities. Further, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) highlighted substantial progress in merging AI technologies with traditional industries, heralding a new era of industrialization and digital transformation. This national focus is supported by numerous initiatives such as the proliferation of smart factories and digital workshops aimed at optimizing efficiency and spurring innovation.
Moreover, recent developments from the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) underscore China’s commitment to leading in generative AI technologies. The BAAI has introduced efficient large language models, in partnership with entities like China Telecom, which utilize significantly less computing power and are open-source, thus democratizing advanced AI tools for broader development and application.
Key Highlights of Guangdong's Measures to Promote AI Development
In line with ambitious national goals, Guangdong plans to escalate its computing power to over 40 EFLOPS by 2025 and 60 EFLOPS by 2027. Such advancements in computational capabilities are crucial for fostering cutting-edge AI research and development, solidifying Guangdong’s role as a central hub for AI innovation.
Here are a few key highlights of Guangdong’s measures to promote AI development:
Fortifying the Foundation of the AI Industry: The policy stresses enhancing core AI chip supply, building an AI chip ecosystem, and establishing an intelligent perception industry system. It also advocates for continuous AI software development, enhancing innovation in intelligent software, and expanding its applications.
Constructing a New Frontier of Intelligent Terminal Products: The policy proposes strengthening high-end equipment intelligence, accelerating the intelligent upgrading of high-end equipment, and supporting intelligent networking to bolster the development of new energy vehicles (NEV). Additionally, it aims to empower and expand consumer terminals, including innovating operating systems for AI smartphones, deploying dedicated models for AI computers, and focusing on intelligent conservation and rehabilitation products for the elderly and children, as well as integrating cross-domain intelligent home appliances.
Forging New Engines for Intelligent Integration Applications: The policy focuses on empowering new forces in the real economy, advancing industrial digitisation and intelligence transformation, promoting intelligent construction through deep integration, driving smart agriculture with intelligent systems, fostering modern transportation systems with intelligent traffic, and co-building a smart energy system through multi-party integration. Furthermore, it aims to enhance experiences in smart living, such as improving education through intelligent assistance, enhancing medical service capabilities through interconnected sharing, and promoting silver economy through smart elderly care.
Strategic Implications and Opportunities
This comprehensive policy presents vast opportunities for enterprises engaged in AI, data analytics, and smart technology sectors. Businesses operating in manufacturing, automotive, consumer electronics, and public service sectors can leverage these developments to boost operational efficiencies and extend their market presence. Moreover, Guangdong’s dedication to cultivating an open, collaborative environment for AI innovation invites international enterprises to engage in the region’s growth, offering a platform for mutual success in the burgeoning field of intelligent technology.
Guangdong’s strategic measures underscore a sophisticated, methodical approach to embedding AI into both economic and societal sectors, aligning with China’s broader objective to lead globally in AI technology. This initiative not only aims to transform the local landscape but also to position Guangdong, and by extension China, as leaders in global AI innovation and industrial evolution.
