China’s Data Industry Set for Over 20% Annual Growth, Says NDA Official
China’s Rapidly Expanding Data Industry
China’s data industry is on the verge of significant expansion, with an annual growth rate expected to exceed 20% in the coming years. This forecast was shared by Chen Ronghui, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration (NDA), during an event titled ‘Activating the Potential of Data Elements and Unlocking New Quality Productivity.’ The event was held alongside the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 in Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province.
Remarkable Growth in Data Production
China’s data production has seen remarkable growth, with total national data output reaching 32.85 zettabytes in 2023. To provide context, this amount of data is more than 10 million times the digital resources available at the National Library of China. This surge highlights the extensive development of China’s data industry, which now covers every aspect of data’s lifecycle—from collection and storage to processing, management, and utilisation.
Strategic Plans to Propel the Data Sector Forward
The NDA has outlined strategies to accelerate the growth of the data industry further. Chen mentioned that these plans focus on promoting diverse business entities, enriching the data ecosystem, and optimising the overall development environment. “We encourage all regions to nurture and expand their local data industries based on their unique conditions,” Chen stated. He also highlighted the importance of fostering a coordinated and complementary data industry across different regions, leveraging each area’s unique strengths.
Big Data Expo 2024: A Hub for Future Innovations
The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024, a three-day event, officially kicks off on Wednesday under the theme “Smart Digital Technology Shapes a Thriving Digital Economy.” The expo will feature 25 supporting activities focused on critical topics such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, and international data space. With 17,000 registered guests and industry insiders attending, these events aim to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the data industry, paving the way for its future growth.
