Guizhou's Digital Economy: A Catalyst for Future Growth and Innovation

In a rapidly digitizing world, Guizhou Province is emerging as a powerful player in the digital economy, showcasing significant advancements and innovative initiatives. The province's remarkable progress is underscored by impressive statistics reflecting its aspirations to become a leader in this sector. Notably, data transmission speed from Guiyang to Guangzhou is remarkably quick, taking merely 10 milliseconds, compared to the human blink which takes between 100 to 400 milliseconds. Furthermore, Guizhou is proactively nurturing 24 key industries, with plans to cultivate nearly 100 large-model application scenarios and an additional 500 new projects within three years, all aimed at enhancing the province’s digital landscape.

In 2024, the software and IT services sector in Guizhou not only crossed the revenue threshold of 100 billion yuan but also achieved one of the highest growth rates in the digital economy across China for nine consecutive years. Such progress can be attributed to direct government support and strategic industry alignment guided by President Xi Jinping's vision for economic enhancement. During his visit to Guizhou in March, he emphasized the importance of emerging strategic industries, including the digital economy and renewable energy sectors.

Pioneering Digital Techniques

Guizhou's evolution into a digital powerhouse is marked by its robust investment in computing power and new technologies. The province boasts 49 data centers, with computing capabilities exceeding 86 EFLOPS, establishing itself as a hub for intelligent computing in China. Recent policies have initiated incentives for computing power adaptations and model training services, generating over 14 billion yuan in transactions for the local economy through strategic voucher programs.

Moreover, the drive towards automation and AI is vividly illustrated through innovative projects like autonomous vehicles. A self-driving shuttle bus, for example, employs an array of sensors for precise pedestrian and environment detection, showcasing the effectiveness of AI in transport systems. As shared by engineer Wu Yihui, the shuttle's onboard chips are capable of executing one trillion operations per second, highlighting the advanced capabilities of local technology.

Capitalizing on Data

Another crucial facet of Guizhou’s digital strategy involves unlocking and monetizing data. Using platforms such as the Guiyang Big Data Exchange, the province is formalizing data registration processes, which transform raw data into valuable assets. This innovative approach allows local businesses to leverage data for financing without traditional collateral, integrating the tech economy into broader commercial frameworks. As of July 2025, over 5,122 transactions have been recorded on this exchange, emphasizing Guizhou’s pivotal role in the national playbook for data commercialization.

The ongoing development in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture further demonstrates the practical applications of AI and advanced computing. For instance, a tire manufacturing company in Guizhou has optimized its production line through smart technologies, successfully reducing defect rates and inventory levels significantly. These real-world applications confirm Guizhou's commitment to elevating potential industries through digital intelligence.

A Vision for the Future

The province aims to foster a comprehensive AI ecosystem that will witness the development of over 500 large-model application scenarios by 2027. Local officials, including Xu Lin, secretary of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, reaffirm their commitment to meet ambitious goals in the digital economy landscape by addressing challenges and planning strategically while ensuring tangible progress year on year.

As Guizhou continues to evolve, the synergy between governmental guidance, innovative technological frameworks, and robust data utilization positions it as a beacon of growth in China's digital economic landscape. The implications of this transformation not only promise enhanced productivity and competitiveness but also a significant societal impact, steering Guizhou towards a prosperous digital future.