The Guangdong Provincial Government Service Data Management Bureau has recently embarked on a pioneering initiative by selecting pilot projects for the comprehensive digital transformation of cities and counties across the province. This move marks Guangdong's initial foray into urban comprehensive digital transformation, with the aim of creating a blueprint for smart, resilient, and livable cities.

Shenzhen, known for its technological prowess, has been designated as a city-level pilot, while its Nanshan District has been chosen as a county-level pilot for this transformative endeavor. The pilot program is structured into two tiers: city-level and county-level, with Guangzhou, Foshan, Shaoguan, Dongguan, Yangjiang, and Zhaoqing joining Shenzhen as city-level pilots. Additionally, 20 county-level pilot projects have been identified, including Baiyun and Huangpu districts in Guangzhou, Futian District in Shenzhen, and the National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone in Zhuhai, among others.

The city-level pilot projects are required to address key areas such as data element basic systems, industrial development, data infrastructure, digital economy, digital society, digital government, and other innovative tasks. The goal is to enhance the overall, systematic, and collaborative nature of urban digital transformation, resulting in interconnected cities with distinct characteristics that are livable, resilient, and smart.

County-level pilot projects have the flexibility to align with local realities and characteristics. They can choose from seven traction paths for their pilot construction, which include important strategic planning, data elements, digital economy, digital life, digital government, smart green and beautiful ecology, and new industry city integration and collaborative cooperation. This approach allows for a tailored approach to digital transformation that maximizes local strengths and addresses specific needs.

Guangdong's strategy through this graded classification pilot program is to explore effective models and paths for comprehensive digital transformation that cater to cities with varying resource endowments and development foundations. By integrating and applying key digital technologies in urban scenarios, the province aims to foster a digital ecosystem that can be replicated and promoted across all cities in Guangdong.

It is expected that by the end of 2026, Guangdong will have developed a comprehensive set of feasible, replicable, and promotable experiences and practices. These are intended to serve as a catalyst for the digital transformation of cities throughout the province.