Zhejiang Sets Bold Vision for AI Innovation and Industrial Transformation Through "Artificial Intelligence+" Strategy

Zhejiang is moving to position itself as a leading destination for artificial intelligence development, with provincial officials outlining an ambitious roadmap to advance the sector while fostering broader economic innovation. During the recent Zhejiang Provincial Economic Work Conference held in Hangzhou on December 20, leadership signaled a strategic pivot toward emerging technologies and next-generation industries as key drivers for the upcoming planning period.

Artificial Intelligence at the Center of Growth Strategy

The province is making artificial intelligence a cornerstone of its development agenda. Plans call for accelerating the establishment of a comprehensive innovation hub dedicated to artificial intelligence and rolling out the “Artificial Intelligence+” initiative across multiple sectors. This reflects a recognition that AI integration can enhance productivity across manufacturing, services, and emerging domains. The push represents more than a single policy initiative—it signals Zhejiang’s commitment to positioning itself as a regional leader in AI-driven economic transformation.

Building a Modern Industrial Ecosystem

Beyond artificial intelligence, Zhejiang is pursuing a comprehensive modernization of its industrial base. The province aims to cultivate new quality productive forces tailored to local advantages, driving the construction of a modern industrial system that reflects regional characteristics. This includes coordinated efforts across three dimensions: revitalizing traditional industries through technological upgrades, nurturing emerging sectors with high growth potential, and strategically positioning future industries before competition intensifies.

The plan emphasizes creating advanced manufacturing clusters on a global scale, cementing Zhejiang’s role in high-value production. Simultaneously, the province is strengthening collaboration within the Yangtze River Delta region to build an international science and technology innovation center, enabling cross-border research synergies and talent mobility.

Creating an Innovation-First Business Environment

Supporting these industrial goals is a parallel commitment to building world-class innovation infrastructure. Zhejiang is prioritizing the development of a first-class innovation ecosystem where research breakthroughs can rapidly translate into commercial applications. The strategy emphasizes enterprise-led collaboration between industry, academia, research institutions, and applications, coupled with systematic support for technology-based enterprises at various growth stages.

The province is also focusing on cultivating what officials describe as “new quality Zhejiang entrepreneurs”—business leaders equipped to drive innovation-led growth. This talent development agenda connects to deeper reforms integrating education, science and technology, and human resource policies, ensuring a pipeline of capable leaders for emerging sectors.

Creating Competitive Advantage Through Environment and Culture

Provincial leadership has made clear that an attractive business environment ranks as the most competitive advantage in securing investment and talent. The strategy emphasizes that creating the right conditions for innovation—regulatory clarity, infrastructure quality, and supportive policies—matters as much as individual initiatives. Through these combined efforts, Zhejiang aims to strengthen the private economy and maintain its “golden business card” status in China’s economic landscape.