China has unveiled a new guideline to boost commerce by leveraging science and technology, with aims to upgrade consumer goods, expand services consumption, improve the efficiency of commercial circulation and drive innovation in integrated consumption scenarios.

The guideline, jointly issued by nine government agencies and published on Monday, including the Ministry of Commerce, calls for wider use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, blockchain, digital twins and embodied intelligence across the commercial sector.

It aims to make commercial activities smarter, greener and more integrated, while providing stronger support for the development of the domestic market.

AI to drive smarter products

The guideline calls for deeper integration of AI into manufacturing, covering product research and development, design, production and marketing. It also encourages the use of a wider range of smart products, including smartphones, computers, smart home devices, wearable technology and robots.

The Chinese government's push comes even as AI continues to reshape industries and open up new possibilities for manufacturing and consumer products.

The guideline also supports the research, development and application of smart products based on secure and reliable open-source operating systems, with the aim of encouraging further innovation across the sector.

Upgrading traditional industries and consumer brands

Beyond cutting-edge technologies, the measures also target the upgrading of established industries and consumer brands.

The guideline calls for the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries with a long history, encouraging businesses to develop products that merge classic designs with the highest quality. It also seeks to build a stronger portfolio of Chinese consumer brands by supporting products that stand out for independent innovation and premium quality.

Technology is also expected to play a greater role in agriculture – the guideline encourages the development of technology-driven agriculture to improve the quality and efficiency of specialty agricultural products.

For China's time-honored brands, the focus is on preserving their heritage while embracing innovation. Businesses are encouraged to apply modern manufacturing technologies to product development, helping traditional brands adapt to changing consumer preferences.

The guideline also outlines measures to strengthen institutional support and talent development, providing a foundation for the wider application of science and technology across commerce.

(Source: CGTN)