ZHU Dan: A New Path to Industrialization Driven by Artificial Intelligence and 5G Technologies

China’s new path to industrialization is achieving structural breakthroughs through the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technologies. The core logic lies in building a synergistic innovation system characterized by “technological breakthroughs – scenario validation – institutional support”.

In the AI sector, a “dual-engine” mechanism forms a dynamic feedback loop: on the supply side, foundational capabilities are enhanced by general-purpose large models, while vertical models are developed to precisely match industrial scenarios. On the application side, a “champion-based” competitive mechanism stimulates market-driven R&D efficiency, promoting the reconstruction of quality control paradigms in fields like precision manufacturing.

5G technology has moved beyond the realm of traditional infrastructure. Leveraging the world’s largest network built with 4.395 million base stations, it optimizes high-risk operational environments through private networks and opens up new 5G-A market opportunities in emerging areas such as the low-altitude economy. At the same time, with 42% of the world’s standard-essential 5G patents, China is accelerating the testing of key 6G technologies and the formulation of international standards. Breakthroughs in the open-source ecosystem mark a reshaping of industrial collaboration models, further lowering technological barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises and forming a multi-tiered collaborative innovation network. On the policy front, the RMB 60 billion National AI Fund and other forms of patient capital address long-cycle R&D constraints, while dynamic standards are established to balance innovation with ethical governance. Meanwhile, deepened international cooperation enhances China's influence in rule-making.

At present, it is crucial to proactively address risks related to data security and employment structure transformation to ensure the sustainable climb of the industrial value chain toward higher-end segments.

(The above views are excerpted and translated from an article by ZHU Dan, a researcher at the National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China, published on China.com, titled “A Study on the New Path to Industrialization Driven by Artificial Intelligence and 5G Technologies.”)

Original article link: http://www.china.com.cn/opinion/think/2025-04/21/content_117836144.shtml

Translator: ZHANG Yuqing

Editor: LIU Qi