The 17th Issue of Biweekly Policy Analysis Meeting Reports: “New Trends, Emerging Challenges and Key Development Directions, Tasks, and Measures for Building Digital China During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period”

Abstract：The 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) is a critical phase for building Digital China. As a national top-level strategy overseeing fields such as the digital economy and digital society, the planning for Digital China must consider both complex international and domestic environments. Internationally, competition in technology and rules is intensifying, and China faces challenges including technological blockades and market barriers. Domestically, as the economy enters a stage of high-quality development, digitalization is needed to foster new growth drivers, while rapid technological iteration also brings both opportunities and risks.

Experts recommended that the 15th Five-Year Plan should focus on the following tasks. First, seize the opportunity of artificial intelligence as a core driving force, plan for the new technological revolution, and pay close attention to AI’s impacts on employment, security, and ethics. Second, advance the market-oriented allocation of data elements as a priority reform task. Through “technology + institutional” innovation, address issues related to data ownership, circulation, distribution, and security governance. Experts suggest granting the National Data Administration overarching coordination authority in this area. Third, promote digital transformation with tailored, sector-specific approaches. Pay attention to challenges such as the “information silo” in manufacturing and mismatches between investment and output in some industries, to avoid blind or excessive investments. Fourth, balance development with security and fairness. Experts recommend prudence in promoting AI substitution in labor-intensive sectors and call for improving redistribution mechanisms, including education and social security systems, to mitigate the impacts of technological disruption. Fifth, enhance international competitiveness and governance capabilities in the digital domain and actively participate in the formulation of international digital rules.

The 19th Issue of Biweekly Policy Analysis Meeting Reports