Shanghai unveils five-year blueprint for building global digital hub

Shanghai has released a five-year plan for digital development, outlining measures to build an internationally influential digital hub with secure cross-border data flows, advanced infrastructure, and expanded global cooperation.

Core objectives include international data connectivity, data value creation, and intelligent applications across all industries.

Infrastructure upgrades

The city will upgrade its digital infrastructure with blockchain networks, advanced communication systems, computing power facilities, and spatial intelligence platforms.

For cross-border data, Shanghai will expand international internet bandwidth, improve dedicated international lines, and accelerate the deployment of international data centers in the Lin-gang Special Area, the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District, and the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone.

A "negative list plus operational guidelines" model for cross-border data transfers will cover more industries, alongside the development of mutual recognition mechanisms for cross-border transfers of personal information.

The city will further develop the Shanghai hub of the national blockchain network by bolstering support for secure and trustworthy technologies such as privacy-preserving computation, federated learning, and distributed digital identity. It aims to improve a unified service system that offers standardized supply with flexible adaptation, and to establish strong cross-border and cross-chain infrastructure.

Global cooperation

The plan emphasizes diverse platforms for international data cooperation. Lin-gang International Data Economy Industrial Park will serve as a hub for international data processing, while the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone will facilitate scientific data sharing and collaborative innovation. The Hongqiao International Central Business District will be upgraded to serve as a center for international data cooperation and exchange.

Shanghai will support the establishment of international data organizations and encourage participation in developing global digital standards.

To support Chinese enterprises going global, Shanghai will deepen bilateral cooperation mechanisms through platforms such as the Singapore-Shanghai Comprehensive Cooperation Council, with a focus on mutual recognition of digital identities, cross-border credit, and cross-border insurance claims.

Cooperation with members of groupings such as BRICS, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as Belt and Road countries, will be expanded, with a focus on building mutual recognition and interoperability frameworks.

The plan also emphasizes regional cooperation in digital innovation. Shanghai-Hong Kong collaboration on the mutual recognition of digital identity and electronic signatures will be deepened, with applications in travel documents, cultural tourism, transportation, and business registration.

Smart governance

Public data governance will be improved through blockchain-based management and quality control, while cross-departmental data sharing will be strengthened.

The plan also calls for the intelligent upgrading of critical infrastructure in energy, water, fire safety, roads, bridges, and utility tunnels to enhance urban resilience.

Note: The English text is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.

Source: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government