From AR glasses capable of translating over 140 languages in real time to robots that can cook meals and even play musical instruments, the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference has showcased how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming a wide range of industries. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO’s East Asia Multisectoral Regional Office, remarked that the forum not only highlighted cutting-edge technologies but also demonstrated how they contribute to high-quality development—calling it “truly impressive.”
China is currently in the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan, with the government prioritizing the strengthening of new growth drivers and the rapid achievement of high-level technological self-reliance. According to the recently released National Innovation Index Report 2025, China now ranks ninth globally—an improvement of 11 places since 2012—making it the fastest-rising country over the past decade and the only middle-income nation within the top ten.
Against this backdrop, the Zhongguancun Forum, a national-level platform for global technological innovation and exchange, has adopted the theme “Deep Integration of Technological and Industrial Innovation.” This aligns not only with the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also addresses growing global interest in China’s future development trajectory.
A key question discussed at the forum was where this deep integration is taking place and what opportunities it presents. Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence emerged as the most talked-about topic among participants. The rapid growth of China’s AI industry is generating new consumer demand and injecting fresh momentum into the market.
This trend was also reflected in the 21 major scientific and technological achievements unveiled on the forum’s closing day. Among them was a “general-purpose cognitive brain” for robots, designed to serve as a unified decision-making center and accelerate the large-scale application of embodied intelligence. Breakthroughs such as the discovery of the core functional neural circuit for Parkinson’s disease and the development of China’s first domestically produced shoulder joint replacement surgical robot system are expected to significantly enhance healthcare outcomes.
Hans d’Orville, Chairman of the Advisory Board of UNESCO’s International Centre for Creativity and Sustainable Development, noted that China possesses highly advanced AI tools capable of producing high-quality goods for global markets, offering consumers greater choice. Shahbaz Khan added that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan places strong emphasis on technological advancement, including the use of AI and industrial robotics to produce next-generation products. “This will significantly boost productivity and create new opportunities for innovation in sectors such as electric vehicles and telecommunications,” he said.
China’s high-density technological ecosystem is not only stimulating domestic consumption but also contributing to global development. Ulf Schneider (Executive Director of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in China) highlighted strong prospects for cooperation, noting that while Swiss companies excel in automated high-quality production, China is advancing toward high-end and green transformation—creating complementary strengths.
Denis Simon, Chairman of the International Organization for Talent, observed that China’s innovation-driven growth offers valuable lessons for other Global South countries. “The experience of companies like DeepSeek shows that it is possible to enter the AI field without relying solely on extremely expensive chips or massive investments of hundreds of billions of dollars,” he said.
At a time when the global economy faces slowdown, rising geopolitical risks, and increasing protectionism, China continues to champion high-level openness and international cooperation in science and technology. During the forum, China announced plans to share ten major scientific research infrastructures with the international community, including sub-orbital telescopes, high-altitude cosmic ray observatories, and integrated extreme-condition experimental facilities.
Hossein Sharifi, Vice President of CODATA under the International Science Council (ISC), who attended the forum for the first time, noted that China has demonstrated not only advanced innovation capabilities and industrial strength but also an open-minded approach toward diverse ideas. “Openness is the only path to innovation,” he emphasized.
Although the curtain has fallen on this year’s Zhongguancun Forum, the story of innovation and collaboration continues. From the release of the “Open Science International Cooperation Action Plan” to the launch of implementation strategies for major regional innovation hubs, China has sent a clear message: scientific and technological innovation thrives not in isolation, but through openness and cooperation. For the world, engaging with China means access to one of the largest innovation ecosystems, opportunities for high-quality development, and a shared journey toward a brighter future.
Source: Swarna-Alim-Lily, China Media Group.