As the world stands on the brink of the next industrial revolution, China is gearing up to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as the cornerstone of its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Tian Feng, founding dean of the independent AI think tank Thinking Fast and Slow Research Institute, highlights how AI breakthroughs could drive a new era of industrial and cultural resurgence.
Historically, the steam engine sparked the First Industrial Revolution in Britain, while innovations in generators, computers and the internet powered the United States’ rise during the Second Industrial Revolution. Today, AI and intelligent robotics promise to unlock the "golden key" to the intelligent economy, ensuring that nations mastering these technologies reap the greatest dividends.
In the planning recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, the emphasis is clear: modernization in science and technology is non-negotiable. The plan calls for harnessing this new wave of technological revolution through strategic resource mobilization, self-reliant development and application-driven innovation.
Three Major Trends Shaping China's AI Strategy
1. Resource Mobilization & Self-Reliance
China aims to bring together government, industry and academia through its national system, directing funding and talent towards critical AI research. This self-reliant approach seeks to reduce dependency on external technologies and foster homegrown innovation.
2. Application-Driven Innovation
Rather than focusing solely on theoretical breakthroughs, the 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes real-world AI deployments. From smart manufacturing to healthcare diagnostics, the goal is to translate cutting-edge research into products and services that boost productivity and quality of life.
3. Safe, Equitable & Beneficial AI
Alongside technical advances, China plans to establish robust governance frameworks that guide AI toward ethical, transparent and inclusive outcomes. By embedding safety and equity into AI development, the country hopes to foster public trust and global collaboration.
For young innovators, entrepreneurs and global citizens tracking the AI surge, China’s strategy reflects a broader trend: the race to shape the intelligent economy. Whether you’re a startup founder in Berlin, a researcher in Seoul or a digital nomad exploring Shanghai’s tech hubs, the direction set by the 15th Five-Year Plan will influence where the next AI breakthroughs emerge.
As 2025 unfolds, keep an eye on China’s AI milestones—new partnerships, pilot projects and policy announcements will offer a window into the future of intelligent technologies. One thing is certain: AI will play a defining role in the years to come, and China’s ambition could redefine the global innovation landscape.
Reference(s):
China's AI push: A driving force in the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan
cgtn.com
