Wu Hequan: Illuminating the way forward in the information age

— Individual Recipient of the 2024 World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award

Wu Hequan 

Wu Hequan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering has played a pivotal role in the development of digital communication technologies in China. A former vice-president of the academy, he has led the research and development of several key communication systems and infrastructure, including major projects for 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies. Wu has also made significant contributions to the large-scale deployment of IPv6 and the development of next-generation Internet technologies. His work has accelerated the development of cutting-edge internet technologies and promoting their transformation into industrial applications.

He has also made lasting contributions to international standardization, having participated in ITU-T Study Group meetings for many years and played an active role in shaping global network standards.

For 11 years running, Wu has participated in the WIC Wuzhen Summit, where his insights have continually enriched the platform’s development. At the 2015 WIC Wuzhen Summit, he asserted that the network economy was emerging as a new engine of economic growth—at a time when China began its transition from a consumer Internet model to an industrial Internet ecosystem. "The future potential of the network economy is vast," he declared. In 2018, he foresaw the potential for blockchain technology to enhance the security and reliability of industrial internet systems, calling for decentralized, multi-layered security mechanisms.

Wu has served as chair of the judging panel for the WIC Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology for nine consecutive years. He noted that the growing international participation and recognition reflect the award's influence in driving innovation. He believes the further development and application of award-winning technologies will play a key role in advancing global economic and social progress and building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

In November 2023, Wu was recognized as a Special Contributor to the Wuzhen Summit 10-Year Commemorative Honor for his outstanding contributions to frontier internet technologies and their industrial transformation and application.

Reflecting on his 2024 award, Wu said he hoped that the recognition would inspire broader innovation across the internet sector and strengthen international collaboration in areas such as technological innovation, global cooperation, and internet governance. Wu called on internet technologists and communities around the world to take part in the shared mission of advancing and governing the internet for the common good. 

The World Internet Conference launched its Distinguished Contribution Award in 2024 to recognize individuals and enterprises that have made outstanding contributions to the global internet sector. The first award ceremony was held at last year's Wuzhen Summit, where seven global leaders and 14 renowned companies were honored.