By Hu Yulong, Information Center, DRC

Research Report, No.284, 2020 (Total 6028) 2020-12-2

Abstract: Since the slowdown in the development of global artificial intelligence (herein after referred to as AI) industry in 2018, its corresponding investment and fund raising volume has witnessed a notable decline. As shown by the Hype Cycle of AI technologies presented by Gartner in 2020, key AI technologies including computer vision and machine learning are on their downward track, which means that AI industry has entered a cool-off period. But owing to the massive input and pilot practice in recent years, the mechanism of the application of AI technologies is becoming clearer, posing new directions and opportunities for the development of AI industry in the following stages. At present, China has acquired world-leading technologies and capabilities in three key elements including data, algorithm and computing power in its AI industrial development. With the goal to give full play to these merits, an industrial development path with practical value needs to be explored for key sectors including manufacturing industry, medical services and transportation industry so as to push ahead with the smart-based transformation of these industries. In light of policy-making, efforts are needed to accelerate the enhancement of market admittance system and formulate standards in line with industrial features. Besides, we need to take actions such as strengthening the construction of new-type infrastructure and promoting the innovative patterns with the aim of cultivating a more favorable environment for AI industrial development.

Keywords: artificial intelligence (AI), cool-off period, industrial transformation, development path