In recent times, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in China has undergone a significant transformationThe Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has reported encouraging statistics showcasing the rapid growth of AI enterprises, now exceeding 4,500. This upsurge is characterized by the emergence of innovative technologies such as intelligent chips and general large models, which are accelerating the development of smart infrastructureDigital workshops and smart factories are being constructed at an unprecedented rate, establishing a robust foundation for AI to empower new forms of industrialization.

The director of the Ministry’s Operation Monitoring and Coordination Bureau, Tao Qing, emphasized the importance of leveraging China's comprehensive industrial system, which is vast in scale and rich in application scenariosHe explained that the deep integration of AI with the manufacturing sector, focusing on smart manufacturing, is essential for enhancing the industry's intelligence, ultimately providing new momentum for high-quality development.

The push for breakthroughs in critical technologies has been highlighted as a priority

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AI is not only seen as a driving force behind a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation but also as an essential catalyst for new industrialization effortsExperts point out, however, that despite rapid development at the application layer, the foundational technologies and the capacity for research and commercialization on a critical level remain relatively weak.

At a recent IT market annual meeting, Wang Peilin, deputy secretary of the AI committee of the China Computer Industry Association, voiced concerns about the country’s AI core technology, indicating a top-heavy industrial structureWhile applications proliferate, foundational research lacks international competitivenessTao Qing has indicated a strategic focus on foundational technologies such as algorithms and computational power, with aims to expedite breakthroughs in intelligent chips, large model algorithms, and frameworks.

The rapid advancement of China’s computing power industry is noteworthy

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By the end of 2023, the nation’s data centers are expected to accommodate over 8.1 million standard racks, achieving a computational total of 230 quintillion operations per second—placing China second globally in terms of computing capacityNotably, the intelligent computing scale has reached 70 quintillion operations per second, boasting an impressive growth rate exceeding 70%.

However, the ongoing demand for intelligent computing is palpable, fueled by the rapid evolution of AI and the digital transformation of industriesAccording to industry analysts, there was a significant gap in China’s intelligent computing capacity, standing at an alarming 52.6% in 2022 and escalating to 78.4% in 2023.

Wang Peilin has articulated that nurturing new, high-quality productive forces requires the deep integration and efficient operation of “AI+” initiatives and “data elements.” By prioritizing these areas, China stands on the brink of historic opportunities for industrial transformation, potentially creating influential digital industry clusters that can significantly advance the modernization of its industry system.

In 2023, the emergence of generative AI technologies sparked a new revolution across various sectors, as seen at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival

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Here, classic films from over 40 years ago were re-released in stunning 4K formats, attributed to technological innovations employing AI to enhance clarity, fluidity, and color accuracy in the film restoration processThis exhibit signaled the potential of AI in content creation and restoration, further evidencing its diverse applications across multiple industries, including retail, finance, and healthcare, where it is continuously reshaping production models and economic structures while improving international competitiveness.

Notably, a high-tech verification system developed by China Unicom has been effectively implemented in industries like fisheriesThis system can promptly confirm the identities of ships entering ports, dramatically reducing verification times and enhancing accuracyOver a span of 16 months, the AI algorithm known as “ship face” has achieved an average recognition accuracy exceeding 86%. This efficient system has recorded thousands of AI warnings and data collections, substantially elevating management capabilities in the maritime domain.

Moreover, AI is revolutionizing quality control processes and consumer service experiences

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For instance, the app “Dewu” has pioneered the use of AI technology in quality assurance, establishing the first domestic AI verification and authentication production lineThe AI engine facilitates quicker and more effective identification processes for consumers, underscoring how technology can enhance retail experiences.

Leading organizations like Mengniu Group are also transforming through the embrace of AI-driven digital operational strategiesThe company has traversed through various digital transformation phases, with its current AI-driven initiatives focusing on both supply and consumer sidesThis streamlined approach amplifies the evolution of production processes while boosting overall productivity.

Looking ahead, continued exploration of AI applications in diverse settings is expected to fuel new productivity growth within the IT sector, bringing fresh momentum to various industries

Experts believe that the seamless integration of AI with data elements will ignite new innovations across industrial, economic, and social spheres.

However, China’s AI industry is not without challengesLack of standardization and uniformity hinders operational compatibility and scalability within the sectorFurthermore, while talent cultivation in AI is improving, there exists a shortage of high-level professionals and a loss of research talent, necessitating a more robust multi-tiered training system.

As big data and AI converge, effective protection of user privacy and data security becomes paramount, alongside meeting the extensive data demands of AI model trainingExperts have called for tighter inter-industry collaboration and resource integration to enhance synergy between various sectors and research disciplines.

To tackle these issues, companies like Inspur Cloud are at the forefront of establishing new data infrastructure in the country

They have initiated the creation of trustworthy urban data spaces while integrating privacy protection technologies to ensure the safe storage and transmission of authorized dataThis setup assists the effective circulation of data elements across various platforms.

Furthermore, Unicom Digital Technology has developed a transformation strategy that incorporates industry cohorts and research institutions for a more collaborative ecosystemThis integrated model aims to fortify China's leading role in network security by fostering a cohesive eco-chain among its partners.

Ultimately, comprehensive support structures will be crucial in cultivating a robust industrial ecosystem around AIEfforts are required to enhance standardization and establish a viable framework for AI-driven industrialization initiativesStrengthening cooperation among industry stakeholders will be essential in promoting innovative practices and ensuring the sustainable growth of the AI landscape in China