Industry leaders from major global tech companies highlighted digital technology's expanding role, particularly artificial intelligence, in transforming economies and promoting sustainability at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing this week.

Visitors tour the Digital Technology Chain exhibition at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, Nov. 30, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]  

"The development of the digital economy is unprecedented in its speed, scope of influence, and depth of impact," said Chen Jian'an, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). "It is becoming a key force in reorganizing global resource elements, reshaping the global economic structure, and changing the global competitive landscape. It also represents an important direction for the development of global industrial systems and supply chains."

The global digital economy accounts for more than 40% of world economic activity, according to the Global Digital Trade Development Report 2024, a collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Global Digital Trade Expo Committee. Global digital trade reached $7.13 trillion in 2023, representing 22.5% of international trade.

China's digital economy maintains strong growth, led by AI adoption across enterprise supply chains. In the first three quarters of this year, the added value of China's information transmission, software and information services grew 11.3% year on year, while cross-border e-commerce reached 1.88 trillion yuan ($262 billion), up 11.5%, according to the General Administration of Customs.

"The digital economy has become an important aspect of fostering new quality productive forces and a new engine for high-quality economic development," Chen said.

TCL's booth at the Digital Technology Chain exhibition during the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, Nov. 30, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]  

Leading tech companies, including Qualcomm, HP, Micron, SAP and Google, showcased their AI innovations at the expo's Digital Technology Chain exhibition. Their displays featured emerging technologies, including metaverse applications, brain-computer interfaces and light field imaging, demonstrating AI solutions for smart cities, smart living and smart commerce. The presentations highlighted AI's practical impact on industry transformation.

A digital technology forum at the expo on Nov. 27 promoted global innovation through industry collaboration. The initiative aimed to expand digital technology across sectors while supporting responsible AI development and sustainable practices, emphasizing ethical standards, data privacy and environmental protection.

Top executives from SAP, TCL and China Unicom delivered keynote speeches, followed by panel discussions on AI's role in digital transformation and building a responsible, smart society. Panelists from HP China, Google Greater China, Alibaba Cloud, Lenovo, IFLYTEK and McDonald's China shared their AI implementation strategies and explored future applications.

A digital technology forum at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, Nov. 27, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]  

"We must deeply understand the irreplaceable role of digital technology in addressing global crises, promoting sustainable development, deepening supply chain cooperation and enhancing industrial productivity," said Xie Xin, vice general manager of the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design. "Digital technology not only reshapes our modes of production and lifestyles but also drives the optimal allocation of resources and the upgrading and transformation of industries on a global scale."