In a significant move to accelerate technological integration, China's State Council recently released the "AI Plus" initiative, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for embedding artificial intelligence across economic and social domains.
This policy lays out overarching principles, key objectives, and priority fields — from manufacturing and agriculture to finance and healthcare — providing a strategic pathway toward an intelligent economy and society.
The introduction of the "AI Plus" initiative signals a shift from fragmented AI applications to systematic, ecosystem-driven integration. Much like the "Internet Plus" initiative that revolutionized digital connectivity, "AI Plus" aims to transform industries through deep restructuring — optimizing supply chains, enabling personalized education, enhancing precision medicine, and boosting agricultural productivity. However, rather than just adding AI tools to existing systems, the plan emphasizes fundamental upgrades in production models and service delivery.
Key to this transformation is AI infrastructure. Without robust underlying support, widespread AI adoption remains an abstract concept. The demand is multi-layered: intelligent computing centers and high-performance chips form the hardware foundation; large-scale AI models and open-source platforms provide the software core; and data sharing mechanisms, security standards, and governance frameworks constitute the operational safeguards. A combination of these elements create the essential environment for scalable AI implementation.
This policy is expected to trigger massive investment in AI infrastructure. Cross-regional computing networks, public data resource platforms, and industry-specific cloud services are expected to see accelerated development. Companies involved in semiconductors, cloud computing, data services, and AI solution provisioning are poised to benefit from new policy incentives and expanded demand.
The policy extends beyond China's borders. Recognizing that the future of AI depends on collaboration, the "AI Plus" initiative advocates global cooperation — promoting inclusive access, mutual trust, and shared benefits. It also backs building an open, equitable AI ecosystem and jointly shaping a global governance framework with broad international participation.
In essence, "AI Plus" represents a decisive step in China's digital transformation. By prioritizing infrastructure, security, and global cooperation, it lays the groundwork for sustainable, AI-powered growth.