WIC hosts workshop on global digital infrastructure construction

On June 5, the World Internet Conference (WIC) Think Tank Cooperation Program convened a workshop on Global Digital Infrastructure Construction: Current Status, Opportunities, and Challenges.

Over 30 experts from members of WIC Think Tank Cooperation Program participated in the event, engaging in in-depth discussions around the research framework of Promoting Global Digital Infrastructure Construction, Bridging the Digital Divide, a joint research initiative under WIC Think Tank Cooperation Program.

During the workshop, the research team outlined the background and framework of the proposed report. The report aims to integrate authoritative data from governments and international organizations, systematically examine the current status of global digital infrastructure construction, and conduct an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and challenges it faces.

The research will explore the connections between digital infrastructure and global economic and social development as well as human civilization progress. It will showcase achievements of international cooperation in this field and promote global best practices and successful experiences in bridging the digital divide.

Consequently, this research will propose actionable suggestions to promote inclusive and equitable development of global digital infrastructure.

In the discussion session, participating experts talked about the report's basic structure and offered practical suggestions for the next phase of research.

Participating experts unanimously agreed that the report demonstrates strong practical significance and forward-looking vision, and the framework is well-structured and feasible. They recommended that future research should focus on surveying global digital infrastructure, reflecting the new demands placed on digital infrastructure by the development of AI, analyzing international cooperation cases, and using empirical data to support the findings.

WIC representatives said they will incorporate expert feedback and conduct literature research, data analysis, and field investigations, working closely with member institutions to complete a high-quality research report.

The workshop brought together experts from a diverse range of institutions, including Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership from Confederation of Young Leaders of India, Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, Lenovo Group, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Shanghai Nokia Bell Co. Ltd., WebRAY Tech Beacon Tower Lab, Tencent Research Institute, International Cyberspace Governance Research Base in Tongji University, Institute of Cyberspace Governance at Wuhan University, Yinxiang Biji Research Institute, Zhejiang Lab, China Telecom Research Institute Tianyi Think Tank, Law School and Interdisciplinary Studies School at Renmin University of China.

In the next phase, WIC will launch a call for outstanding international cooperation cases on Promoting Global Digital Infrastructure Construction, Bridging the Digital Divide among members of WIC Think Tank Cooperation Program. All member institutions are invited to participate by selecting and submitting international cooperation cases in the field of digital infrastructure that demonstrate exemplary impact, innovative value, and potential for wider application. This initiative aims to build a platform for sharing practical experiences in global digital infrastructure development and to promote a new model of digital development based on joint consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.