National Development and Reform Commission: Currently working with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission to organize the application process for nationally significant major application scenario projects

The 14th National People’s Congress Fourth Session press conference was held at the Media Center in Beijing on March 6.

Zheng Shanjie, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated in response to a reporter’s question that during the 14th Five-Year Plan, a number of high-growth industries will gather momentum, creating several trillion-yuan or even larger markets through incremental growth and stock potential. This will promote the industrial system from large to strong, from quantitative change to qualitative change, becoming a new engine for high-quality development.

Zheng further pointed out that scenarios are a key link from technological breakthroughs to industrial applications. The NDRC will intensify reform efforts and implement large-scale demonstration projects for new technologies, new products, and new scenarios. This year, about 10 comprehensive open scenarios in key fields will be launched at the national level. In areas like modern agriculture and elderly care services, around 100 landmark scenario projects with leading and driving roles will be identified to promote industrial innovation and development.

What are the next steps for cultivating and opening up scenarios? What roles will the large-scale commercial application of new technologies and products play? What development opportunities might this bring in the future? The Daily Economic News conducted an in-depth analysis.

Approximately 100 landmark scenario projects with leading and driving roles are planned to be released to the public in the form of a list

A relevant official from the NDRC told the Daily Economic News that scenarios are a bridge connecting technology and industry, as well as research and market. China has a vast advantage in application scenarios and aims to develop scenario cultivation and opening as a new policy tool. This year, about 10 comprehensive open scenarios in key fields will be introduced at the national level, exploring mechanisms like “unveiling and appointing” to encourage government, central enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and institutions to lead the opening of scenario resources. Around 100 landmark scenario projects with leading and driving roles will be identified nationwide to better demonstrate their guiding role. Pilot projects for scenario cultivation and opening will also be supported in certain regions with suitable conditions.

Regarding the consideration of scenario cultivation and opening, the “Implementation Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Accelerating Scenario Cultivation and Opening to Promote Large-Scale Application of New Scenarios” requires “batch release of application scenario project lists and organization of major projects around the construction of comprehensive major scenarios.”

The official further stated that the NDRC is currently working with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission to organize applications for national landmark major application scenario projects. Departments, localities, and central enterprises are expected to recommend a batch of comprehensive and high-value application scenarios. About 100 landmark scenario projects with leading and driving roles will be released to the public as a list. For example, efforts include promoting joint development of modern agricultural scenarios by key agricultural enterprises, research institutions, and local governments; creating multi-province clean energy corridors; building full-space unmanned systems; opening deep-sea development scenarios; supporting elderly care scenarios in regions with high aging levels; and developing cultural tourism scenarios in key scenic spots.

“Once projects are confirmed, we will coordinate with relevant departments to address major policy issues faced during implementation. Projects that meet conditions will be prioritized within existing funding channels. Scenario cultivation and opening will serve as a driving force to promote the integrated development of technological and industrial innovation. Currently, related work is progressing in an orderly manner,” the official added.

Scenarios can significantly reduce R&D costs and compliance risks for AI companies

What specific roles do scenario cultivation and opening play in the large-scale commercial application of new technologies and products?

A macroeconomic expert told the Daily Economic News in writing that since new technologies must undergo repeated validation in real scenarios from labs to markets, scenarios can overcome the shortcomings of “closed-door development” and integrate upstream and downstream resources to build a complete commercial closed loop. In this sense, scenarios are not just “application venues” but also a “catalyst” for technological commercialization, a “touchstone” for new products entering the market, and a “training ground” for new models and business formats. Therefore, scenario cultivation and opening are critical links in forming a complete loop from technological breakthroughs to industrial applications, serving as a bridge between technology and industry, and connecting R&D with the market. They play an important role in promoting the large-scale commercialization of new technologies and products.

What opportunities might arise from opening up scenarios in the future?

The expert believes that scenarios can greatly reduce R&D costs and compliance risks for AI (artificial intelligence) companies, accelerate the commercialization of vertical models in fields like healthcare and industry, and thus drive the booming development of the computing power economy. High-quality scenarios can also support model iteration, creating a virtuous cycle of “better with use.”

According to the expert, opening high-value scenarios in government, finance, logistics, and other sectors can promote data flow and integration with digital platforms, accelerating the deep application of digital technologies in the real economy. The full-space unmanned systems provide real testing environments and commercial opportunities for autonomous vehicles, drones, and unmanned ships, with markets like drone logistics and urban air mobility expected to open up. Deep-sea scenarios offer excellent testing and verification environments for offshore wind power, smart yachts, and deep-sea oil and gas equipment, helping companies overcome technical standardization challenges and enter the blue economy industry chain.