Empowering New Quality Productive Forces in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through Digital Transformation

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC proposed to "improve the systems and mechanisms for developing new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions" and "perfect the systems for promoting deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy."[1]1 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, held in July 2024, focused on further deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization. Digital transformation, as the core driving force for high-quality development, is gradually becoming the key pathway for the development of new quality productive forces in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Under the dual waves of globalization and informatization, how the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as one of China's most dynamic and promising regions, can empower the development of new quality productive forces through digital transformation is an epochal question it urgently needs to answer in its march toward high-quality development.

党的二十届三中全会提出，“健全因地制宜发展新质生产力体制机制”，“健全促进实体经济和数字经济深度融合制度”。数字化转型作为推动经济高质量发展的核心驱动力，正逐步成为粤港澳大湾区新质生产力发展的关键路径。在全球化与信息化的双重浪潮下，粤港澳大湾区作为中国最具活力和潜力的区域之一，如何以数字化转型赋能新质生产力发展，是其迈向高质量发展所亟需解答的时代命题。

I. Achievements: Notable Results in Digital Transformation, Initial Scale of New Quality Productive Forces

一、成就：数字化转型成效显著，新质生产力初具规模

In recent years, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has achieved notable results in digital transformation and the development of new quality productive forces. In particular, it leads the nation in multiple dimensions such as digital infrastructure construction, cultivation of digital industries, digital transformation of industries, promotion of digital transactions, and establishment of digital governance systems, providing a powerful source of momentum for fostering and expanding new types of productive forces.

近年来，粤港澳大湾区在数字化转型和新质生产力发展方面已取得了显著成效，特别是，在数字基础设施构建、数字化产业培育、产业数字化转型、数字交易促进以及数字治理体系建立等多个维度上，均处于全国领先地位，为催生并壮大新型生产力提供了强大的动力源泉。

In terms of digital economy development, the "China Digital Economy Development Index Report (2024)" shows that in 2023, the digital economy volume of Guangdong Province successfully rose to 6.9 trillion yuan, ranking first in the country for eight consecutive years. Within this prominent achievement, Shenzhen, as the leader in core digital economy industries, saw its added value surpass the one-trillion-yuan mark; Guangzhou followed closely behind, reaching approximately 394.6 billion yuan; the digital economy scales of Dongguan and Foshan also respectively broke through the hundred-billion-yuan level. This series of data fully demonstrates the profound foundation and enormous potential of various cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the digital economy field, laying a solid industrial chain foundation for the vigorous development of emerging economic forms and new quality productive forces.

数字经济发展方面。《中国数字经济发展指数报告（2024）》显示，2023年度广东省的数字经济体量已成功攀升至6.9万亿元，连续八年稳居全国榜首。在这一突出的成就中，深圳市作为数字经济核心产业的领头羊，其增加值超越了1万亿元大关；广州市紧随其后，达到了约3946亿元的水平；东莞与佛山两地数字经济规模也分别突破了千亿级别。这一系列数据充分展现了粤港澳大湾区各城市在数字经济领域的深厚底蕴与巨大潜力，为新兴经济形态和新质生产力的蓬勃发展奠定了坚实的产业链基础。

In terms of digital industrialization, Guangdong has become the largest intelligent robot industry cluster in China, with various intelligent robots advancing from Guangdong's factories to broad domestic and international markets. In addition, Guangdong has also achieved significant breakthroughs in frontier technology fields such as 5G, artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and cloud computing, with strong capability in technology application and transformation, effectively promoting the rapid development of the digital economy.

数字产业化方面。广东已成为国内最大的智能机器人产业集聚区，各种智能机器人正从广东的工厂走向广阔的海内外市场。此外，广东在5G、人工智能、大数据、区块链、云计算等前沿技术领域也取得了显著突破，技术应用转化能力较强，有力地推动了数字经济的快速发展。

In terms of industrial digitalization, by the end of 2023, Guangdong Province had successfully promoted the digital transformation of 29,000 industrial enterprises above the designated size; the added value of its industrial internet industry ranked first in the country, and it facilitated over 650,000 small and medium-sized enterprises to access cloud services. For example, more than 30 ceramic enterprises in Foshan jointly founded the ZhongtaoLian platform, which uses transaction data from the ceramic industry to provide credit certification for enterprises within the industry, effectively reducing transaction costs for upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain. At the same time, within the service sector, the Greater Bay Area is also actively promoting the digital transformation process. For instance, the online exhibition platform launched by the Guangdong International Trade Digital Expo provides enterprises with services including "cloud exhibition participation, online negotiation, remote matching, and electronic signing," continuously enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade services.

产业数字化方面。截至2023年底，广东省已成功推动2.9万家规模以上的工业企业实现数字化转型，工业互联网产业增加值规模位居全国首位，并促进了超过65万家中小企业接入云端服务。例如，佛山市的30余家陶瓷企业联合创立了众陶联平台，该平台通过利用陶瓷行业的交易数据，为行业内企业提供信用认证，有效降低了产业链上下游企业的交易成本。同时，在服务业范畴内，大湾区也在积极推动数字化转型进程。如广东国际贸易数字博览馆推出的线上展会平台，为企业提供包括“云端参展、在线洽谈、远程对接、电子签约”等服务，持续增强了跨境贸易的服务效率。

In terms of digital governance, through the implementation of the "Three-Year Action Plan for Building a 'Digital Bay Area'," the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area promotes the effective connection of rules and mechanisms among the three regions, the efficient interconnection of new-type infrastructure, and the deep integration of economic development, public services, and social governance. [2]2 "Digital Bay Area" refers to a policy initiative to build a digitally integrated region across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, covering infrastructure, data flow, and public services. In addition, Guangdong Province has issued a series of documents such as the "Guangdong Province Digital Economy Promotion Regulations" and the "Guangdong Province Digital Economy Development Guidelines 1.0," gradually exploring a localized development model and evolutionary path for the digital economy with strong applicability and high distinctiveness.

数字治理方面。通过实施《“数字湾区”建设三年行动方案》，粤港澳大湾区推动三地规则机制有效衔接、新型基础设施高效联通，促进经济发展、公共服务与社会治理深度融合。此外，广东省发布了《广东省数字经济促进条例》《广东省数字经济发展指引1.0》等系列文件，逐步探索出了适用性强、特色化程度高的数字经济本地化发展模式和演进路径。

II. Challenges: Obvious Regional Disparities, Insufficient Digital Innovation Capability

二、挑战：区域差异明显，数字创新能力不足

Despite the notable results achieved by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in digital transformation, it still faces numerous challenges.

尽管粤港澳大湾区在数字化转型方面取得了显著成效，但仍面临诸多挑战。

First, there are obvious regional gaps in digital infrastructure. Although the overall level of digital infrastructure construction in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is relatively high, there are large disparities among different cities. Comparatively, the digital economy development level in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou is higher, while regions such as Zhaoqing and Jiangmen lag behind in digital infrastructure construction. This imbalance in regional development, to some extent, constrains the overall process of digital transformation in the Greater Bay Area.

第一，数字基础设施区域差距明显。虽然粤港澳大湾区的整体数字基础设施建设水平较高，但不同城市之间存在较大差距。相较而言，香港、深圳和广州的数字经济发展程度较高，而肇庆、江门等地区在数字基础设施建设方面相对滞后，这种区域发展不协调的问题在一定程度上制约了大湾区数字化转型的整体进程。

Second, digital innovation capability is insufficient. Although the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has made some progress in digital technology innovation, there remains a certain gap compared with the global leading level. Especially in core technology fields such as high-end chips, operating systems, and key algorithms for artificial intelligence, facing technological blockades and trade protectionist practices from developed economies, the Greater Bay Area in the short term still faces significant challenges in the "high-precision-advanced" fields and at both ends of the "smile curve."[3]3 The "smile curve" is a concept describing value-added distribution across the value chain, with higher value at the two ends (R&D and marketing) and lower value in the middle (manufacturing).

第二，数字创新能力不足。尽管粤港澳大湾区在数字技术创新方面取得了一定进展，但与全球领先水平相比仍存在一定差距。尤其是在高端芯片、操作系统、人工智能关键算法等核心技术领域，面对发达经济体的技术封锁和贸易保护做法，短期内粤港澳大湾区在“高精尖”领域和“微笑曲线”两端仍面临较大挑战。

Third, digital regulation is insufficient. With the rapid development of the digital economy, the digital regulation and governance system of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area also faces new challenges. Issues such as how to drive the cross-border flow of data elements, balance personal privacy and data security, maintain order in the data element market, and protect consumer rights urgently need to be addressed. Currently, the Greater Bay Area still has deficiencies in digital regulation, requiring further strengthening of institutional construction and improvement of regulatory mechanisms.

第三，数字监管不足。随着数字经济快速发展，粤港澳大湾区的数字监管和治理体系也面临着新的挑战，如何驱动数据要素跨境流动、平衡个人隐私与数据安全关系、维护数据要素市场秩序、保护消费者权益等问题亟待解决。当前，粤港澳大湾区在数字监管方面仍存在不足，需进一步加强制度建设，完善监管机制。

Fourth, small and medium-sized enterprises face great difficulty in digital transformation. Although the Greater Bay Area has achieved notable results in promoting industrial digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises still face considerable difficulties in digital transformation due to limitations in funding, technology, and talent. In view of this, helping small and medium-sized enterprises overcome the obstacles to digital transformation has become a top priority.

第四，中小企业数字化转型难度大。尽管大湾区在推动产业数字化转型方面取得了显著成效，但中小企业因资金、技术、人才等方面的限制，在数字化转型上仍面临较大困难。鉴于此，帮助中小企业克服数字化转型的障碍成为重中之重。

III. Levers: Multiple Measures in Concert to Promote Deep Integration of Digital Transformation and New Quality Productive Forces

三、抓手：多措并举，促进数字化转型与新质生产力深度融合

Empowering the development of new quality productive forces in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through digital transformation is a systematic project. In response to the existing challenges, the government, enterprises, universities, and research institutions need to implement targeted policies and deepen cooperation in order to better promote deep integrated development between the digital economy and new quality productive forces.

以数字化转型赋能粤港澳大湾区新质生产力发展是一项系统工程。针对现存的挑战，需要政府、企业、高校、科研机构等精准施策、深化合作，才能更好地推动数字经济和新质生产力之间实现深度融合发展。

First, strengthen the construction of digital infrastructure. It is necessary to further increase investment and optimize investment structure, improve digital infrastructure construction, and, with the help of regional assistance mechanisms such as the "Hundred Counties, Thousand Towns, Ten Thousand Villages Project," gradually narrow the regional gap in digital economy development. [4]4 The "Hundred Counties, Thousand Towns, Ten Thousand Villages Project" is a Guangdong provincial initiative to promote coordinated development between urban and rural areas, focusing on county economies, town upgrades, and village revitalization. In addition, strengthen digital interconnection among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and promote the free flow and innovative combination of data elements. At the same time, accelerate the expansion of application scenarios for digital technology to provide strong support for the development of the digital economy.

一是加强数字基础设施建设。要进一步加大投入力度和优化投入结构，完善数字基础设施建设，并借助“百千万工程”等区域帮扶机制，逐步缩小区域数字经济发展差距。此外，加强粤港澳数字互联互通，推动数据要素的自由流动和创新组合。同时，要加快拓展数字技术的应用场景，为数字经济发展提供有力支撑。

Second, enhance digital innovation capability. There is an urgent need to strengthen research and development of digital technologies, with a focus on conducting in-depth exploration and breakthroughs in core technology areas such as high-end chips, operating systems, and key algorithms for artificial intelligence. At the same time, encourage enterprises to increase R&D investment, strengthen cooperation with universities and research institutions, and promote the deep integration of "government, industry, academia, research, and application." [5]5 "Government, industry, academia, research, and application" refers to a collaborative innovation model integrating government guidance, enterprise participation, university research, and practical application. Furthermore, actively introduce and cultivate digital talent to provide talent support for the development of the digital economy.

二是提升数字创新能力。亟需强化数字技术的研究与开发，并着重在高端芯片、操作系统及人工智能关键算法等核心技术范畴内开展深入探索与突破。同时，鼓励企业加大研发投入，加强与高校、科研机构的合作，推动“政产学研用”深度融合。此外，还要积极引进和培育数字人才，为数字经济发展提供人才保障。

Third, improve digital regulation and governance mechanisms. It is necessary to strengthen the construction of digital regulatory systems, improve rules for data collection, processing, storage, and use, and explore the experience and practices of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in cross-border data flows. At the same time, strengthen cross-departmental and cross-regional coordination and cooperation to form a joint force to promote cross-domain digital regulation. In addition, strengthen consumer rights protection and severely crack down on illegal activities such as data abuse and infringement of user privacy.

三是完善数字监管和治理机制。要加强数字监管制度建设，完善数据收集、处理、存储和使用的规则，探索粤港澳大湾区在数据跨境流动方面的经验和做法。同时，加强跨部门、跨地区的协作配合，形成合力共同推动数字跨域监管工作。此外，还要加强消费者权益保护，严厉打击数据滥用、侵犯用户隐私等违法行为。

Fourth, promote the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises. Increase support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and help them better overcome obstacles to digital transformation through policy guidance, technical training, and financial support. At the same time, encourage large enterprises or leading enterprises to play an exemplary and leading role, driving the common development of small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, strengthen the supply of digital services, providing efficient and precise digital solutions and consulting services for small and medium-sized enterprises.

四是推动中小企业数字化转型。增强对中小企业的支持力度，通过政策引导、技术培训、资金扶持等方式，帮助其更好地克服数字化转型的障碍。同时，要鼓励大型企业或龙头企业发挥示范引领作用，带动中小企业共同发展。此外，还要加强数字化服务供给，为中小企业提供高效、精准的数字化解决方案和咨询服务。

[About the authors: Liu Sheng, Yunsan Scholar and Doctoral Supervisor at the Institute of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies; Chen Xiuying, Associate Professor at Guangdong University of Finance.]

【作者简介：刘胜，广东外语外贸大学粤港澳大湾区研究院云山学者、博士生导师；陈秀英，广东金融学院副教授。】

Online editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧