China races to embed AI use across major industries with ambitious 2030 target
Beijing’s strategy seeks to integrate AI in manufacturing, healthcare and many other sectors to fuel long-term growth
In its latest road map for artificial intelligence, China has set targets for the adoption of AI-powered devices across various industries – aiming for over 70 per cent by 2027 and over 90 per cent by 2030.
“[The strategy aims to] boost productivity, reshape how industries operate, and accelerate the growth of a smart economy and society built on human–machine collaboration, cross-sector integration and co-creation,” according to the guidelines.
The document also called for a strong push in developing AI-powered smartphones, computers, robots, home appliances and wearable devices, as well as connected cars.
The “AI Plus” strategy followed the 2015 “Internet Plus” initiative, which helped transform China into a highly digitised society by leveraging the internet as a driver of productivity and innovation.
Amid the intensifying tech rivalry with the United States, the world’s second-largest economy has stepped up efforts to secure a leading position in next-generation technologies.
The latest guidelines pledged to speed up the integration of AI with the metaverse, low-altitude aviation and brain–computer interfaces, while exploring new AI-driven smart products.