On November 22, 2024, the National Data Administration (NDB) released the draft Guidelines for Building National Data Infrastructure (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) for public consultation. Feedback submission channels closed on December 1, 2024. The Guidelines aim to establish a clear vision, framework, and developmental goals for data infrastructure, fostering societal consensus and providing a roadmap for its advancement.
Redefining Infrastructure: From Digital to Data
Unlike traditional digital infrastructure, which emphasizes hardware and software technologies, the proposed data infrastructure framework is defined through its technological and economic functions, focusing on unlocking the value of data as a core resource. This new-generation infrastructure integrates data aggregation, processing, circulation, application, operation, and security services into a unified, cohesive ecosystem. It also incorporates hardware, software, algorithms, standards, and institutional frameworks, creating a robust and interconnected system.
Current Challenges in China’s Data Infrastructure
While data infrastructure holds transformative potential, its development in China remains at an early stage, facing several significant challenges:
- Insufficient Data Circulation and Utilization: Limited mechanisms to enable efficient data sharing and integration.
- Data Security and Privacy Concerns: Gaps in protection measures and standards.
- Underdeveloped Application Scenarios: A lack of mature use cases demonstrating the value of data-driven approaches.
- Unclear Development Direction: Ambiguity around strategies and limited demonstration projects.
Key Objectives Outlined in the Draft Guidelines
The Guidelines propose a series of ambitious goals to address these challenges and establish a cutting-edge national data infrastructure:
- Enhancing Data Circulation and Utilization
- Develop facilities that support a unified national data market, ensuring secure, seamless, and trustworthy data flows.
- Establish a collaborative public service system for large-scale data circulation and utilization.
- Building a High-Quality Computing Power Foundation
Create a diverse, efficient, intelligent, and eco-friendly computing power supply system capable of meeting the diverse demands of data processing.
- Strengthening Network Support
Build a high-speed, reliable, and dynamically adjustable data transmission network to enable flexible access and ubiquitous connectivity.
- Improving Security Measures
Establish a comprehensive, dynamic, and inherently secure framework to protect data assets from threats.
- Expanding Application Scenarios
Accelerate the digital transformation of traditional industries and empower emerging fields such as artificial intelligence with data-driven solutions.
A Strategic Vision for Digital Sovereignty and Economic Leadership
The release of the draft Guidelines demonstrates China’s commitment to building a forward-looking, robust data infrastructure that aligns with its national strategic objectives. By addressing foundational challenges and setting clear developmental goals, the Guidelines aim to unleash the transformative potential of data across industries, enhance digital sovereignty, and position China as a global leader in the data-driven digital economy.
