CAICT Symposium on ICT In-Depth Observation Report and White Paper Release Announcing “Ten Development Trends of ICT Industry for 2018-2020”

On December 14, 2017, CAICT held the Symposium on ICT In-Depth Observation Report and White Paper Release for the tenth consecutive year in Beijing, officially announcing the 2018-2020 ten development trends of ICT industry. It also released a series of important research results, such as theG20 National Digital Economic Development Research Report, White Paper of Internet Platform Governance, Internet Development Trends Report, White Paper of Internet Network Architecture Development,and the2017 Development Report of Top 100 Industrial Counties and Districts. Zhang Feng, General Engineer of The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), spoke at the meeting. Xi Guohua, Honorary Chairman of the China Communications Standards Association and Director-General of the Strategy Steering Committee, and Wu Hequan, Academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered keynote speeches. Liu Duo,Director-General of CAICT, delivered thea welcome speech.

In his speech, Zhang Feng noted that in 2017, the ICT industry has undergone expansion, the network capability has improved,and business applications have become widespread. China’s ICT industry is entering a new era and stepping onto a new stage. Guided by Xi Jinping’s thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, the industry shall seize the strategic opportunity to implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (NCCPC)and work together to promote industrial prosperity. Zhang Feng proposed three suggestions as next steps in industrial development:rst,continue the optimization and upgrade of network infrastructure to build a “powerful network nation”; second, continue to strengthen and improve industrial management to energize economic development; and third,actively enhance the cross-eld integration of information and communication technology and strengthen the digital economy.

Xi Guohua delivered a speech on “ICT Industry Development Trends,” summarizing ten major trends as follows: 1. ICT has become an important force in national strategy; 2. ICT is leading the robust development of the digital economy; 3. ICT has undergone rapid changed through innovation; 4. ICT technology has integrated with social production and life; 5.Telecom operators are accelerating digital transformation; 6. Mobile Internet is bridging the digital gap; 7. Market concentration is rap-idly increasing; 8. Cyber security is becoming a matter of greater concern; 9. Governance reforms in government agencies are picking up pace; and 10. Key technological reforms have profound influence. He also proposed expanding research on standards for important technologies, accelerating R&D, application of key technologies, and accelerating the construction and upgrade of infrastructure.

Wu Hequan delivered a speech on “New Era for Internet Development.” With comprehensive and accurate data, incisive analyses,and vivid language, he painted a clear picture for the delegates, informing them that the growth of the Internet market has hit a new record, market value continues to improve,and unicorn companies are rapidly growing.All internet companies made major strategic adjustments, targeting new technologies and new scenarios. Their focus in strategic deployment is now on articial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. He noted that the authorities have a prudent and inclusive attitude towards the new ecology and conduct timely governance, which creates a good environment for the development of the Internet. The government has presently launched a series of strategic deployments in key areas such as IPv6,industrial Internet, deep integration of the Internet and the real economy, 5G, and big data.China’s Internet development has entered a new era.

During the demonstration of results, Wang Zhiqin, Deputy Director of CAICT, Lu Chuncong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Policy and Economics, He Baohong, Deputy Director of Institute of Cloud Computing and Big Data, Li Haihua, Deputy Chief Engineer of Institute of Technology and Standards Research, and other experts discussed various topics such as the ICT industry, 5G, industrial Internet, and block chain. In the end, Yu Xiaohui, Chief Engineer, released the report entitled “2018-2020 Ten Major Development Trends of ICT Industry.”

In addition, important research results were released at the meeting, including theG20 National Digital Economic Development Research Report, White Paper of Internet Platform Governance, Internet Development Trends Report, White Paper of Internet Network Architecture Development,and the2017 Development Report of Top 100 Industrial Counties and Districts.

The meeting was attended by more than 600 representatives from CAC, MIIT, SASAC, Chinese Academy of Engineering, basic telecommunications enterprises, local CACs,relevant government agencies, equipment manufacturers, internet companies, colleges and universities, scientific research institutions, and the media.

（CAICT)