Chinese Enterprises embrace 'AI + real economy' to drive efficiency gains

Editor's note: Huang Ying is a professor and director of the Capital Market Research Center at Zhejiang University. The article reflects the author's opinion and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

From smart factories optimizing production lines to AI-powered tools transforming daily workflows, the world stands at a pivotal juncture – where a new wave of technological and industrial revolution is unfolding. At the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), a foundational technology increasingly embedded across economic and social domains, reshaping how goods are produced, services are delivered, and even how development pathways are defined.

Looking ahead, AI is set to become a central driver in reshaping economic structures and accelerating the transition to new growth models. As AI converges with other intelligent productive forces – such as advanced robotics, data analytics, and industrial IoT – it is fundamentally redefining production processes. For industries, this opens pathways to intelligent upgrading; for the workforce, it creates opportunities for new roles and skills. Critically, this AI-powered transformation is expected to provide a significant boost to China's pursuit of high-quality economic development, translating technological potential into tangible benefits for businesses and society.

AI enters a new phase of high-quality development

The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) is expected to continue emphasizing scientific and technological innovation as the core of new productive forces. As a strategic technology leading the latest round of tech revolution and industrial transformation, AI is now transitioning from breakthrough innovation to real-world application. Bolstered by policy and investment, the sector is maturing beyond conceptual exploration toward delivering deeper, more substantive value. By grounding development in practical needs and strengthening the technology base, AI is poised to become a reliable engine for high-quality growth.

Full-chain innovation supports technological advancement

Reinforcing a full-chain innovation system offers systematic support for the AI sector to address gaps and enhance competitiveness. China has scaled up investment in key fields such as large language models, smart chips, and algorithm frameworks, while collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions continues to improve. By bridging basic research and engineering applications – moving AI from "usable" to "easy-to-use" and "dependable" – China will further strengthen its technological self-reliance and industrial transformation efficiency.

"AI+" integration deepens real economy empowerment

Guided by the principle of coordinated development across traditional, emerging, and future industries, integrated applications such as "AI + Manufacturing," "AI + Energy" and "AI + Healthcare" are expanding. A growing number of enterprises are adopting AI to enhance quality, cut costs, and raise efficiency. While some sectors remain in the pilot stage, the depth of integration is expected to accelerate as industry data accumulates, standards mature, and interdisciplinary talent becomes more available.

Regulatory system continues to improve

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue to enhance oversight of emerging sectors including AI and take comprehensive steps to curb inefficient internal competition. The goal is not to stifle innovation, but to steer the market toward more orderly and equitable growth through sound institutions. Mechanisms such as algorithm registration, data security, and ethics review are being established at a faster pace. These efforts will help build public trust in AI and provide responsible innovators with a clearer, fairer competitive environment.

Open ecosystem integrates China into global innovation networks

An open and collaborative ecosystem is helping China's AI sector integrate into the global innovation flows. In the coming years, China will continue to advance high-standard opening-up, promoting alignment and compatibility in rules, regulations, management, and standards. While committed to indigenous innovation, China is also engaging more openly in international collaboration. Initiatives such as open-source community building, participation in global standard-setting, and cross-border data flow trials all reflect a conscious effort to foster an innovation ecosystem characterized by interdependence. This open and synergistic approach will supply diversified momentum for the sustained evolution of both technology and industry.