Shanghai is taking significant steps to foster new growth drivers with the help of AI technology. The 2023 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai showcased the city’s commitment to building relevant AI application scenarios and improving the AI ecosystem. The event, themed Intelligent Connectivity Generating Future, saw a record number of exhibitors and exhibition area. Numerous AI technologies and products developed by Shanghai companies were on display, highlighting the city’s latest achievements in the field.
Over the past few years, Shanghai has emerged as one of the leading cities in China in terms of AI development. The city has witnessed a vibrant growth in the AI industry, with the number of AI enterprises above the designated size increasing significantly. From 2018 to 2022, the number of such companies rose from 183 to 348, and the total output value grew from 134 billion yuan to 382.1 billion yuan.
Wu Jincheng, the director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, emphasized the global evolution of AI technologies and their influence on industrial reforms. He highlighted Shanghai’s active efforts to foster new growth drivers using AI technologies.
One of the notable applications of AI in Shanghai is the AI+ Marine Technology Innovation Center’s unmanned boats. These boats can be seen carrying tourists on the river surrounding the Zhangjiang Artificial Intelligence Island in the city’s Pudong New Area. The plan is to extend the use of these unmanned boats to more scenic areas in the future, allowing people to board them simply by placing an order on their mobile phones. The AI application scenario developed by the center has enabled a Beijing-based company to successfully develop an unmanned surface boat that can navigate, avoid barriers, and dock automatically.
The AI industry in Shanghai has been supported by the establishment of various innovation organizations, including the Shanghai AI Laboratory, the Shanghai Data Exchange, and the Baiyulan Open AI. The city has established four clusters of AI enterprises and launched open AI systems and intelligent chips. Additionally, Shanghai has implemented regulations, action plans, and local standards to promote AI development and create a favorable industrial environment for AI developers.
Pudong New Area, a pilot zone for AI innovation and application, is home to over 600 key AI companies with a total output value exceeding 120 billion yuan. The Lingang Special Area in Shanghai’s Pilot Free Trade Zone has been hosting the Global AI Developer Conference for four consecutive years, and recently inaugurated an international algorithm innovation center and an innovation center for smart robot manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Shanghai aims to consolidate the foundation of its AI industry, enhance competitiveness in new fields such as intelligent content creation and scientific intelligence, and strengthen the development of multimodal and large models. The city also plans to build an ecosystem for independent intelligent computing and improve international cooperation in the AI industry.
Shanghai’s commitment to fostering new growth drivers with AI technology is evident through its continuous efforts, innovative initiatives, and vibrant AI industry. The city’s dedication to AI development is likely to drive further advancements and contribute to the growth of the AI ecosystem not just in China, but internationally as well.
