As digital technology is being fully integrated into the production and life of humankind, China is stepping up efforts to improve its digital governance to create better lives for all.
At an expo titled “the Light of Internet,” various types of cutting-edge digital technologies and products empowering digital governance and promoting inclusive development were showcased to the audience. The expo was held as part of the 2021 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, which concluded on Tuesday in Wuzhen, east China’s Zhejiang Province.
Read more: Digital innovation empowers China’s governance efficiency
- Smart city is a marketing term used to define the use of technology, and in particular, data collection, to improve how cities function
- We should not be implementing technology for technology’s sake, but rather have an open dialogue with the public to ensure that what we do, what we invest in, and how we build is uniquely tied to the needs of our citizens
Read more: CN: Hong Kong: Enhancing connectivity, mobility, and collaboration with smart city tech
Digital upgrades are occurring regularly in Shanghai, covering anti-epidemic initiatives, retail and delivery, job seeking, taxi-hailing and customs services.
The various services and applications are part of the city's blueprint to boost digital transformation and upgrade the economy, covering artificial intelligence and eSports industry development. The umbrella blueprint will also bridge the digital divide for the elderly and disabled, providing convenient and barrier-free digital services to all citizens.
Read more: CN: Shanghai: Citywide digital upgrades set to enhance connectivity of all citizens
Smart cities should of course have smart technologies, but it is essential new tech should be human-centered, according to Italian and Chinese participants at a recent forum hosted by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, with full support from elite Italian school Politcnico di Torino.
"A modern city can be facilitated by many new technologies, but it needs to be aware of bigger issues such as climate change and data privacy," said Michele Geraci, a professor at the University of Nottingham Ningbo, and former undersecretary of State at the Italian Ministry Economic Development.
Read more: Chinese and Italian academicians share views on smart cities
Ten key digital and smart applications were presented in downtown Shanghai on Tuesday to provide brand-new economic, life and social governance experiences.
The applications were presented in Changning District at a digital transformation promotion meeting as pilot projects to be promoted across the city. They are expected to speed up digital transformation and improve people's daily lives.
Read more: CN: Shanghai: Digital applications to drive transformation of Changning District