China Establishes Central Data Group to Support AI Development

China established 国家数据集团有限公司 on Oct. 20, creating a centrally owned enterprise in Hebei province to develop data resources for artificial intelligence and the broader data industry.

Xiongan New Area is the group's headquarters. Its mandate is to develop data resources and put them to wider use, with the aim of increasing the value drawn from data.

Under the guidance of relevant departments, the group plans to strengthen central-local coordination and deepen industry collaboration. It also plans to share capabilities and experience and expand business together with its collaborators.

China's broader AI efforts include a national “AI Plus” initiative that seeks to expand AI use across traditional industries and increase supplies of computing power, algorithms and data. The new group's stated assignment focuses on the development and use of data resources.