2025-07-07
How to Build a Benchmark City for the Global Digital Economy?
Source:Xinhua Daily Telegraph

  In just 76 seconds, Xiaomi’s factory rolls out a new energy vehicle; more than 100 AI models developed in Beijing are powering hospitals, shopping malls, and farms; and China leads the world in the number of 5G base stations per capita…

  Beijing is leveraging the powerful synergy between its millennia-old cultural heritage and the digital revolution, placing itself at the forefront of the global scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. The city is making steady progress toward becoming a benchmark for the global digital economy. In 2024, the added value of Beijing’s digital economy exceeded 2.2 trillion yuan, marking a 7.7% year-on-year increase, with the added value of core digital industries growing by 10.1%.

  “The digital transformation of the global economy is an inevitable trend.” “We look forward to collaborating with all parties to foster an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for the growth of the digital economy.” “Let digital civilization bring benefits to people across the world.” Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently highlighted the importance of digital economy development, making a series of important remarks.

  The Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 was held in Beijing from July 2 to 5, 2025, bringing together guests from over 50 countries, along with think tanks from the World Trade Organization and BRICS nations. Focusing on the theme of “Building a Digital-Friendly City,” this international platform offered fresh solutions for the global digital transformation.

  Accelerating the Development of the Digital Economy

  On the morning of July 2, the “Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance” was officially established during the opening ceremony of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025. Cities, as central hubs of technological transformation and policy innovation, are playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and fostering global cooperation. Cities from across the globe have come together, united in their efforts to explore new opportunities for collaboration in driving the digital economy forward.

  Outside the venue, at “Beijing Fang” in the Dashilan Historical and Cultural District, a full-scale C919 flight simulator attracted large crowds, eager to try their hand at flight operations. Inside the 6,000-square-meter exhibition hall for the Beijing Digital Economy Experience Week, a range of innovative experiences were on display, vividly showcasing the latest advancements in the digital economy.

  Building the digital economy is a strategic move to capitalize on the new opportunities arising from the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. By 2024, China’s core digital economy industries had continued to grow steadily, solidifying its position as the world’s second-largest digital economy.

  As a global hub for scientific and technological innovation, Beijing outlined its goal in 2021 to become a benchmark city for the digital economy, accompanied by a detailed implementation plan. Today, the added value of Beijing’s digital economy accounts for 45% of its GDP.

  In Beijing, Digital Technologies are Rapidly Empowering Diverse Industries—

  A total of 199 innovative robot products are now in use across 134 different scenarios, driving industrial manufacturing, commercial services, education, healthcare, and other areas into the era of intelligence. New AI technologies and products, including the world’s first original multimodal world model, “Wu Jie·Emu3,” and the highly advanced AI agent “AutoGLM Chensi,” are emerging. Platforms like Douyin’s “Coze” and Baidu’s “Miao Da” are empowering and nurturing a new generation of intelligent agents, fostering fresh business models in software services...

  Located in Yizhuang, Xiaomi’s EV Hyperfactory houses over 700 robots working seamlessly, with more than 200 critical processes fully automated. Digital technologies are empowering the entire production line, completely reshaping manufacturing logic.

  “As a frontrunner in scientific and technological innovation, Beijing is consistently unlocking the potential of digital technologies, which serve as a key driver for the growth of the digital economy,” said Du Wencui, Dean of the School of Economics at Capital University of Economics and Business.

  Jiang Guangzhi, Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, emphasized that Beijing is both a major hub for digital technologies in China and one of the country’s most advanced cities in the information industry. He noted that Beijing aims to set a new benchmark for the development of China’s digital economy through its innovations and practices, using digital technologies to improve the lives of its people and drive urban development.

  The “Vehicle-Road-Cloud Integration” is driving the application of smart transportation solutions, while digital government services like “Jingban” are meeting the needs of urban residents. “Digital Factory,” “Lighthouse Factory,” and similar innovations are leading the way in modernizing traditional industries…

  The 2024 Beijing Digital Economy Development Report, published by the research team at Capital University of Economics and Business, shows that Beijing has now entered the ranks of the world’s leading cities in digital economy development.

  The “Innovation Key” Behind Turning Data into Profit

  With summer vacation approaching, many people are eager to embark on a spontaneous trip. However, flight and hotel booking apps, each excelling in different areas, often fail to fully cater to the personalized needs of travelers.

  In this case, just hand over the task to a travel assistant powered by Baidu’s Wenxin AI model in Beijing, and within less than a minute, a complete travel plan—after learning, comparing, and selecting options—will be ready for you.

  Since the beginning of this year, generative AI technology has become a part of everyday life for many people. A significant number of the “large models” powering these new services and experiences are “Beijing-made” and “Beijing-branded.” According to data, Beijing has registered 132 large models, making up 35% of the national total, with general models like Doubao and Zhipu now firmly established in the global top tier.

  The rise of large AI models is a microcosm of Beijing’s continued focus on key areas and crucial links in the development of its digital economy.

  What are the key innovation drivers behind Beijing’s success in turning data into profit?

  —Strengthening new infrastructure. New infrastructure is like the “water, electricity, and roads” in the digital economy era. Beijing prioritizes building infrastructure through scientific planning and strategic deployment, ensuring it’s ready for technology to follow, rather than waiting for technology to catch up. Beijing was the first to propose becoming the “City of Optical Networks, and Ten-Gigabit City.” It has already established over 140,000 5G base stations, with the development of commercial satellite constellations steadily advancing, and more than 100 satellites currently in orbit.

  —Continuing to make breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies. China’s self-developed semi-invasive brain-computer interface, “Beinao No. 1,” has completed three human trials, while the “Tiangong” robot won the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon... Beijing continues to make significant progress in key areas such as AI, neuroscience, and embodied intelligence.

  —Introducing forward-looking, high-impact policies. Aligned with the “AI+” strategy, Beijing has rolled out the “Eight Measures to Support Information Software and AI Development” and the “Sixteen Measures to Support Industrial Development,” offering up to 30 million yuan in funding to businesses. Humanoid robots are set to drive a new round of industrial revolution, and Beijing is prioritizing robot development, building an open-source embodied intelligence brain, and fostering industry-wide support. The city is also leading the way in exploring the development of standards.

  “Beijing has built a well-rounded industrial policy ecosystem, with key policies updated every year. When capital fails to function effectively, the government takes action to organize support; when the market is too chaotic, the government takes a step back for calm reflection. This encourages small businesses to take risks and large enterprises to innovate,” said Liu Weiliang, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.

  —Expanding application scenarios. For example, in the robotics industry, Beijing has introduced the “Hundred Application Scenarios Demonstration Project,” targeting key needs in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, buildings, trade and logistics, elderly care, emergency services, and agriculture, to demonstrate a variety of “robotics+” solutions.

  The Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 will host 46 specialized forums, focusing on emerging areas like AI integration and digital security, highlighting Beijing’s progress in establishing itself as a benchmark city for the global digital economy. Beijing is steadily becoming a city with open digital economy scenarios across all sectors. As Beijing shifts from traditional to new growth drivers and optimizes its industrial structure, the city is placing a strong emphasis on digital development, nurturing a dynamic and thriving economic ecosystem.

  Promoting Global Cooperation and Mutual Learning for Digital-Friendly Cities

  “Previously, if I needed to see a doctor, I had to get up very early to register, often waiting in long lines and dealing with scalpers cutting in. Now, I can make an appointment from home with just a few taps,” said Ms. Huang, a resident of Beijing’s Asian Games Village. “With the ‘Jingtong’ mini-program, it’s so much more convenient than before.”

  Beijing’s unified appointment system now covers 299 Grade II and III hospitals. By adjusting its allocation strategy, the platform has reduced appointment slot vacancy rates by 20% and can intelligently detect scalpers trying to snap up tickets.

  Another factor contributing to the convenience of daily life is the improved transportation environment. In the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, smart infrastructure has turned the situation around—from “people waiting for traffic lights” to “traffic lights waiting for people.” Traffic signals, which were once manually adjusted only once or twice a year, are now optimized an average of 135 times daily at each intersection. Even with a 20% rise in traffic volume, average vehicle speeds have increased by 15%.

  “Beijing should start by addressing the real, everyday challenges that people face, fully utilizing the city as a vast platform to drive the growth of the digital economy,” said Jiang Guangzhi.

  Beijing’s approach to developing the digital economy, focused on “technology for the people,” closely aligns with the theme of this conference—“Building a Digital-Friendly City,” aiming to create a sustainable, people-centered model for these cities.

  Across the globe, countries are competing to formulate digital economy strategies and roll out supportive policies, aiming to lead the next round of the digital technology revolution. Meanwhile, global digital governance and the growth of the digital economy face shared challenges, such as data security, ethical concerns, and uneven development.

  Conference delegates believe that the proposal of the concept of “Digital-Friendly City” provides a new approach and framework for addressing challenges, helping to build global consensus and explore solutions jointly.

  “This concept centers human dignity, well-being, and comprehensive development in the digital transformation process. It helps cities strike a better balance between economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection in the course of digital transformation,” said Yang Yong, Director of the Committee of Digital Economy and Digital Trade at the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies.

  The approach emphasizes global governance grounded in “extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits,” the connectivity of digital infrastructure, and the inclusive development of data elements. It advocates for equal participation from all stakeholders while opposing digital hegemony and technological monopolies… Liu Weiliang noted that, over the years, the digital economy development concepts and innovative approaches that Beijing has consistently explored are gradually being recognized by an increasing number of international cities and organizations.

  Beijing’s digital healthcare services and AI-powered education, both online and offline, made a lasting impression on Durdona Rakhimova, Deputy Mayor of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. “I look forward to working closely with Beijing in these areas,” she said.

  “Beijing has made numerous pioneering efforts and innovations that are highly valuable as references for the international community. We are excited to launch a new partnership for the digital economy here,” said Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China. The future of digital transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. We must act together to ensure that digital and intelligent transformation paves the way for a better future for everyone.