China launches initiative to boost national digital literacy

China has recently launched an action plan to enhance digital literacy and skills, a collaborative strategy designed to yield results across the nation by the end of 2024. The initiative is part of China's broader strategy to support development of the digital economy.

The action plan is a joint effort by major governmental bodies including the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, signaling a unified approach to digital education.

The action plan sets a broad framework, aiming to create a more comprehensive digital literacy and skill development system. It outlines six key areas with 17 major tasks aimed at advancing digital proficiency across the nation.

Key areas of the plan include cultivating high-level digital talent, promoting digital literacy among leaders and public servants, fostering digital competence in schools, and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to digital resources, thereby reducing the digital division. The plan also stresses the need to accelerate digital transformation in businesses, and emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive digital environment and promoting accessible and efficient digital public services.

In addition to domestic goals, the plan supports international exchanges and cooperation, including enhancing collaborative support systems and increasing the supply of high-quality digital resources. The move reflects China's ambition in boosting its digital economy.

The importance of digital literacy is increasingly evident given the development of the digital economy, and it is also important in advancing new business sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), Fu Liang, a Beijing-based tech analyst, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

In addition to the action plan, China has recently initiated a national data resource survey involving multiple departments including the newly founded National Data Administration. This survey aims to better understand and utilize data resources, highlighting the critical role of data in the digital economy.

Fu also mentioned the importance of translating digital literacy and data management into practical applications. This approach is expected to improve business efficiency and contribute to societal value, aligning with China's digital economy goals. The focus on data resources and digital literacy should be on how they can enhance productivity and support digital businesses, said Fu.

China's focus on data and digital literacy aims to lay the groundwork for digital infrastructure development. "The key is to transform these factors into practical applications to boost business efficiency and societal value," Fu added.

China has seen rapid development in its digital economy and digital infrastructure. According to the MIIT, the country's telecommunications business volume grew by 16.8 percent year-on-year in 2023, with its computing power ranked second in the world.