Informatization FYP Outlines IT Development Trends

On December 27, the State Council announced the new Five-Year National Informatization Plan to continue working towards the goal of making China a strong internet power. The plan promotes other government initiatives, including the Big Data Action Plan and Internet Plus and gives clear directions on how to become an industry leader in several areas. The policy identifies several key development trends and lists blueprints for 16 informatization-related projects. The main themes and areas of development include IoT, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Robotics, Broadband, 5G, IPv6 and Cybersecurity.

According to this plan, the government is making a big push to develop the big data market, arguing that big data lies at the core of all IT planning. We can expect to see increased effort in creating a system of data resource sharing and opening up data. It will encourage the government to set up a data-sharing solution and to build a public platform for big data. The plan specifically states that there is a need for a unified, connected, 'secure and reliable' data resource system. This is the first step in creating a society that welcomes openness when it comes to data. Opening up data resource sharing options is one of 12 priority actions listed in the plan and by 2018 the government hopes to have a data regulatory system established.

Other priority areas include, satellite and navigation system development to aide in the One Belt, One Road initiative. It also calls to build a 'core technology ecosystem' and in the implementation outline they call for the construction of next-generation iT systems, cloud computing, security technology and high-end manufacturing equipment. Also, as a part of developing this ecosystem they are pushing for more R&D in the areas of IC chips, optics, OS, database systems, servers, and security products, among others. The full blueprint is available in the Plan.

Under the section that lists important work and key projects, both blockchain and self-driving cars are listed as well as 5G, smart manufacturing, and IoT. Another interesting area of the plan includes the section on the information economy. The government will start an innovation project where they will set up information economy trial zones. It also discusses building more infrastructure for e-commerce and ensuring that key industries are promoted. Other noteworthy information includes the smart city initiative to set up 100 new test zone projects by 2018 and the continued development of iPv6 for connected cars. For a more detailed list of stakeholders and initiatives please refer to the last pages of the plan.