Digitalization and Industrial Transformation in China

Authors: Zhu Yunhuan, Jiang Yanqing

ISBN: 9781032574455

Published: September 16, 2026

Format: Hardcover

Language: English

Publisher: Routledge

Description

This book examines how digitalization is reshaping China's industrial economy and what digital technology means for the world's second-largest economy. It follows China's digital path through national policy frameworks, industrial applications, local practices and the country's position in the global digital economy. Across eight chapters, the authors lay out the foundations of China's digital economy and support the analysis with data, case studies and international comparisons. Each chapter is self-contained and can be read on its own.

Key Features

Analysis of the technology clusters driving China's digital economy, including AI, 5G and the industrial internet.
Practical applications of digitalization in agriculture, manufacturing and services, useful as a benchmark for digital transformation strategies.
Regional and urban case studies, including Guizhou and smart-city practice in Beijing, as models of local implementation.
National top-level policies and supporting measures, with international comparisons for policy reference.
China's global role through the TIMG Index and Belt and Road digital cooperation.

Coverage

The book opens with the rise and fundamentals of the digital economy, then examines technology as the driving force in China and the policies and planning that support it. It maps the major areas of China's digital economy across agriculture, manufacturing and services, and presents practical cases of regional development. The final chapters turn to China's role in the global digital economy, the challenges and opportunities of the global digital revolution, and conclusions on contributions, prospects and policy suggestions.

About the Authors

Zhu Yunhuan is Associate Professor at the School of Economics and Finance, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China. She holds a PhD in Public Finance from the School of Public Economics and Administration, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Her areas of expertise include the Chinese economy and the theory and policy of public finance and taxation.

Jiang Yanqing is Professor of Economics at the School of Economics and Finance, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China. He received his PhD in Economics from Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki, Finland. His areas of expertise include macroeconomic policy, international economics and development economics.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Rise of the Digital Economy
2. Technology as the Driving Force in China
3. Policies and Planning
4. Major Areas of China's Digital Economy
5. Practices in China's Digital Economy Development
6. China's Role in the Global Digital Economy
7. Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Digital Revolution
8. Conclusion: China's Role and Future Path in the Global Digital Revolution

Why buy this book?

China's digital economy has become a reference point for governments and companies working on industrial upgrading. This volume brings policy analysis, sector applications and regional case studies together in one place, and its self-contained chapters let readers go straight to the topics that matter for their work, from smart-city practice to international digital cooperation.

Keywords

Digital economy, China, industrial transformation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, 5G, industrial internet, smart cities, Belt and Road, digital policy

Target Audience

Academics and researchers in economics and development studies, policymakers, industry practitioners, international business professionals, university and research libraries

Genre

Digital Economy, Digital Transformation, China, Economy

Q&A

What does the book cover about China's digital economy?
It examines the rise of China's digital economy, the technologies driving it, national policy frameworks, industrial applications, regional practices and China's role in the global digital economy.

Which technologies and sectors does the book analyse?
It looks at AI, 5G and the industrial internet as driving forces, and at digital applications in agriculture, manufacturing and services.

Does the book include practical case studies?
Yes. It presents regional practice from Guizhou and smart-city examples such as Beijing.

Does it address China's international digital role?
Yes. It discusses China's global position through the TIMG Index and Belt and Road digital cooperation, along with global challenges and strategic opportunities.

Who should read this book?
Scholars, policymakers and industry practitioners interested in the digital economy, as well as university and research libraries building collections on China and development economics.

Where can I buy Digitalization and Industrial Transformation in China?
You can order it directly from CLNZ Books, with worldwide shipping included in the price.

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