China’s top regulator to boost industrial internet with new policies

China’s top industry regulator announced plans to create new policies to boost the advancement of the industrial internet, which is considered a crucial aspect of the fourth industrial revolution. The industrial internet involves merging industrial systems with advanced computing, analytics, sensing, and connectivity. 

Zhang Yunming, the vice-minister of industry and information technology, emphasised the significance of the industrial internet in integrating digital and real economies and supporting new industrialisation. Zhang urged local governments to collaborate with his ministry, providing funding, technology, talent, and data support to optimise the policy environment for innovation in the industrial internet. 

China has already cultivated 240 influential industrial internet platforms, including 28 that span multiple industries and domains. Additionally, the country has established a comprehensive identification and analysis system for the industrial internet, covering numerous regions and serving many enterprises. 

However, experts stressed the need to strengthen the development of industrial central processing units and focus on key technologies such as AI and industrial software. Various sectors, including aerospace, equipment, electronics, chemicals, mining, steel, energy, and food, have embraced digital transformation by adopting the industrial internet.

This action coincides with the conclusion of the three-year strategic blueprint set by Zhang’s ministry to foster innovative growth in the industrial internet. Confronting emerging circumstances, challenges, and demands, the ministry will formulate fresh guidelines aimed at fostering the superior advancement of the industrial internet, stated Zhang.