Towards a new generation of artificial intelligence in China

Artificial intelligence has become a main driving force for a new round of industrial transformation around the world. Many countries including China are seizing the opportunity of the AI revolution to promote domestic economic and technological development. This Perspective briefly introduces the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan of China (2015–2030) from the point of view of the authors, a group of AI experts from academia and industry who have been involved in various stages of the plan. China’s AI development plan outlines a strategy for science and technology as well as education, tackling a number of challenges such as retaining talent, advancing fundamental research and exploring ethical issues. The New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan is intended to be a blueprint for a complete AI ecosystem for the country. China’s New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan was launched in 2017 and lays out an ambitious strategy, which intends to make China one of the world’s premier AI innovation centre by 2030. This Perspective presents the view from a group of Chinese AI experts from academia and industry about the origins of the plan, the motivations and main focus for attention from research and industry.