NDRC: AI Is Core Support for New Quality Productive Forces and Modern Industrial System

China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has identified artificial intelligence as the core support for developing new quality productive forces and building a modern industrial system. A relevant NDRC official made the remarks while answering questions on the 'Opinions on Developing New Quality Productive Forces.' The commission framed AI as central to both productivity and industrial modernization.

The official said AI is moving from laboratories into production and daily life. It is giving rise to new fields and tracks, including autonomous driving, humanoid robots, autonomous flying drones, brain-computer interfaces, smartphones, smart TVs, smart computers, and smart wearable devices. At the same time, AI plays an important role in empowering the upgrading of traditional industries.

The 'Opinions' gives prominent emphasis to fully implementing the 'AI Plus' initiative. The aim is to promote deep integration between AI and the real economy, support the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, foster and expand emerging industries, and make forward-looking plans for future industries. The policy also seeks to apply AI innovations to concrete industries and industrial chains in a timely manner.

The NDRC's emphasis reflects a view of AI as a general-purpose technology that can drive industrial upgrading. By using intelligence to advance high-end and green development, the initiative is expected to empower the transformation and upgrading of thousands of industries. The statement signals that AI will be a key lever in China's broader push to modernize its industrial system and sustain productivity growth. It also underscores the policy priority given to AI-driven innovation across the economy.