Digital Economy Development Plan: Data as a Factor of Production (2025)
Published: August 20, 2025
Sources & Verification
Primary Source
State Council of the PRC — Official document ↗
CPG Analysis
Editor summary based on the official source linked above.
Verification
Verification pending
No verification date has been recorded for this entry yet.
⚡ Impact at a Glance
Who is affected
Cloud and AI infrastructure companies; digital transformation consultancies; data analytics and platform companies; investors in China's technology sector.
Cities / Agencies
Nationwide · State Council of the PRC
What to do now
For context only. No compliance action required.
Source & verification
Official source · Verification pending
Executive Summary
China's State Council released the Digital Economy Development Plan recognizing data as a formal factor of production. The plan opens significant opportunities for foreign companies in data infrastructure, cloud services, AI applications, and digital transformation consulting.
Key Points
Data formally recognized alongside land, labor, capital, and technology as a factor of production
Data trading exchanges in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen open to qualified foreign participation
Cloud computing and AI infrastructure designated as priority sectors with streamlined foreign investment approval
Digital transformation subsidies available to companies modernizing traditional industries
Cross-border data flow provisions specifically included for digital services trade
Target: Digital economy to represent 50%+ of GDP by 2030, creating massive addressable market
Related Tools
Related Guides
AI Technology Investment Guide
Regulations and opportunities in China's AI sector.
China Data Security Law Guide
DSL compliance requirements for foreign companies.
China Data Cross-Border Transfer Guide
DSL/PIPL compliance: CAC security assessment, SCC, data localization, penalties, and FTZ pilots.