On 15 May 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) wrote a letter to approve the establishment of the Shanghai (Pudong) Artificial Intelligence Innovation Application Pilot Zone.
The establishment of the AI Innovation Application Pilot Zone is a major move aimed at enhancing the link between AI and the real economy, based on the application, diffusion and commercialisation of new AI technologies and products. This will be done mainly by deepening reforms and optimising institutional management mechanisms for application and demonstration activities, and by attracting and retaining talents. In its letter, MIIT in particular highlighted the following key tasks for the Pilot Zone:
- Eliminate the barriers to integrated development, in particular relating to data and security. Innovative management mechanisms should be actively explored in terms of infrastructure, standards, and IPR protection and transactions.
- Focus on the creation of a fair and open market environment, with mechanisms allowing the participation of social investors and stimulating the innovativeness of enterprises. The objective will be to nurture a batch of enterprises with global competitiveness.
- Application should be prioritised in the manufacturing, medical, transports and financial sectors.
The establishment of the first AI Innovation Application Pilot Zone in Pudong recognises the efforts made by the local party and government administration in Shanghai to transform the city into a global hub for AI.
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See also:
Ad hoc study: China’s funding strategy for AI
Shanghai’s “Smart City” Implementation Plan to boost Artificial Intelligence
Establishment of the Beijing New Generation AI Development National Experimental Zone
State Council’s Plan for the Development of New Generation Artificial Intelligence