WIC holds seminar on global digital infrastructure report

The World Internet Conference (WIC) Think Tank Cooperation Program held a seminar to discuss the Promoting Global Digital Infrastructure Construction and Bridging the Digital Divide report in Beijing on Sept 12. More than 20 experts from the program members attended the event and engaged in in-depth discussions on the report.

The report, led by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, systematically reviews the current status of global digital infrastructure development and the digital divide, provides an in-depth analysis of key challenges in international cooperation on digital infrastructure and offers actionable recommendations. During the drafting process, the research team conducted multiple rounds of research activities with the active participation of experts from the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, the UK National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education, the China Telecom Research Institute, the China Unicom Research Institute, Zhejiang Lab, the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Law School of Renmin University of China, and the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Representatives from a wide range of academic and industry institutions, including DBAPPSecurity Data Shield Intelligent Research Center, Institute of Internet Governance and Law, Beijing University of Post and Telecommunication, Beike Research Institute, Nokia Bell Labs China, Institute of International Studies of Fudan University, Institute of Chinese Path to Modernization of Nankai University, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, International Cyberspace Governance Research Base in Tongji University, Institute of Cyberspace Governance of Wuhan University, Wuzhen Institute for Digital Civilization, Sina Think Tank, School of Journalism and Communication, Zhejiang University of Media Communications, China Telecom Research Institute Esurfing Think Tank, China Center for Information Industry Development CCID Think Tank, China Unicom Research Institute, China Mobile Research Institute (China Mobile Think Tank), shared their insight and suggestions.

Experts praised the report for its professionalism and clarity, with explicit appreciation toward its rigorous logic and well-structured framework which will provide useful guidance for deepening international cooperation and advancing inclusive digital development. They also offered constructive suggestions regarding the report's framework, content expansion, presentation format, and refinement of case studies.

According to WIC officials,said the report will be refined based on expert feedback and released at the upcoming WIC Wuzhen Summit — aiming to foster global consensus, improve global digital infrastructure connectivity, and share the benefits of digital development.