Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), and the National Energy Administration (NEA) jointly issued a notice, confirming that the first batch of comprehensive development pilot projects for digitalization and green transformation will be carried out in 10 regions. Those 10 regions are Zhangjiakou (Hebei), Dalian (Liaoning), Qiqihar (Heilongjiang), Yancheng (Jiangsu), Huzhou (Zhejiang), Jinan (Shandong), Shenzhen (Guangdong), Hi-Tech District (Chongqing), Chengdu (Sichuan), and Lhasa (Tibet Autonomous Region).
1. The significance of carrying out the pilot project for coordinated dual-transition (digitalization and green transformation) development
Carrying out the comprehensive pilot project for digitalization and environmental-friendly transformation development is a crucial measure to implement CAC and MIIT’s decision-making and deployment, to build a modern industrial system, and to accelerate the green transformation of the development methods. All pilot areas must fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress, in accordance with the overall layout requirements of the construction of a digital China. They must conscientiously implement the work arrangement of the action plan for the coordinated dual-transition development, and actively promote the deep integration of emerging technologies, such as the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence, and fifth-generation mobile networks (5G) with green and low-carbon industries. Furthermore, pilot areas need to solve problems, sum up experience, explore paths, and promote development through pilot methods, on prioritized fields and bottlenecks in particular, so as to improve the overall ability and level of dual-transformation collaboration.
2. Specific notice on carrying out the pilot project for coordinated dual-transition development
According to the notice, the pilot work will start in January 2023 for a period of 2 years, focusing on exploring replicable and scalable experiences from aspects such as the green and low-carbon development of the digital industry, the dual-transition synergy of traditional industries, the low-carbon smart governance of urban operations, the incubation and innovation of industries dual-transition synergy, and the establishment of coordinated dual-transition policy mechanism.
It is clearly stated that each pilot area should formulate specific implementation plans based on local situations, clarify the objectives and tasks of the pilot, refine the work plan, and put forward operable and implementable measures. Pilot areas are to accelerate the promotion of green and low-carbon development of the digital industry, promote the green transformation of the digital technology empowerment industry, allow the green transformation of industry full play on the digital industry, form a virtuous circle of digitalization and green transformation, drive new technological advancement and lead new development methods. Ultimately, provide a reproducible and scalable path model for the country.
The notice requires that the provincial-level cybersecurity affairs departments where each pilot area is located must work with relevant departments to strengthen guidance services and policy support for the pilot area. All pilot areas should highly value the importance of pilot work, improve the work promotion mechanism, and promote the pilot work with enhanced organizational leadership and coordination planning.
Digitization and green transformation are not only significant issues in global development but also interdependent and mutually reinforcing bodies. The launch of the dual-transition development pilot project is going to set off a new surge of digital and green transformation and development across the country. There are indeed challenges and pressures in the green and low-carbon development path, but as long as we follow the laws of green transformation and market laws, and take our country’s advantages in digital technology and other fields, we can promote the transformation and upgrading of economic structure step-by-step according to plan, and accomplish the goal of green economic development.
