Qudsia Bano

The ‘Two Sessions’ 2024 have raised the curtains on China's groundbreaking economic shift towards nurturing innovative, high-quality development opportunities focused on shaping up the future industrial and manufacturing systems. This strategic move aims to materialize the ambitious vision of positioning China as a modern, all-encompassing tech research powerhouse on the global stage, according to WealthPK. China is the leader in research for 19 of 23 technologies that the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has examined. The rankings are based on the 10% most referenced academic articles among 2.2 million published between 2018 and 2022. According to Nikkei Asia’s report, China leads the US, the UK, and Germany by a wide margin with 73.3% of high-impact research output for hypersonic detection, tracking, and characterization. In an interview with WealthPK, DG of IT at the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MOIT&T) Asfand Yar Khan said, “For decades, China has been synonymous with mass production and low-cost manufacturing, gaining reputation as the ‘global factory’.

However, recent developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology have propelled the country to the leadership position in advanced tech research.” Asfand said one key factor contributing to China's success is its significant investment in research and development. The Chinese government has consistently increased funding for scientific initiatives, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and attracting top-notch talent from around the world. Such initiatives aim to shift the focus from traditional manufacturing to high-tech industries, pushing the boundaries of technological advancement, he added. Deputy Executive Director at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Sajid Amin told WealthPK that as China transitions from being the ‘global factory’ to the ‘global laboratory’, it is evident that the nation's future is set towards pioneering technological breakthroughs. China's commitment to research and development is reshaping the global technological landscape. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prime example of China's prowess in tech research.

The Chinese companies are making substantial strides in AI applications, including facial recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous vehicles. In 2023, China overtook the United States in the number of AI-related patent applications, solidifying its position as a global leader in AI research,” said Sajid. He said drawing lessons from China's adept integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and tech research in various sectors, Pakistan has the opportunity to formulate policies that align with its unique requirements. By adopting a proactive stance and tailoring AI solutions to local contexts, Pakistan can follow China's example and harness the revolutionary prowess of AI for sustainable progress across diverse technological realms. “In practical terms, this involves developing comprehensive AI policies that address specific challenges and opportunities in Pakistan, such as enhancing skill development, optimizing marketing strategies, and fostering the growth of startups. Through strategic planning and careful customization of AI applications, Pakistan can create a technological landscape that not only mirrors China's success but also meets the nation's distinct needs and aspirations, ultimately driving long-term advancements in various sectors,” he said.

INP: Credit: INP-WealthPk