Digitalization and Green Technologies for Sustainable Development: Digital-green dual transformation and the sustainable development of cities

During its urbanization process, China has seen the emergence of many mega-cities with populations exceeding 10 million inhabitants. This rapid urbanization has resulted in an increased consumption of resources, energy and materials and led to negative environmental effects.

Recently, China has made significant strides in smart city developments, marked by initiatives dating back to 2005 with the introduction of digital city management. Subsequent policies, such as the 2014 “Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Healthy Development of Smart Cities” and the 2023 “Plan for the Overall Layout of Building a Digital China,” have driven the nation’s smart city agenda. These efforts have resulted in improved urban efficiency, including smarter transportation systems that reduce congestion and emissions.

While China’s advancements in smart city development are impressive, the integration of digitalization and the green transition (here also referred to as the “dual transformation”) has not yet been formally implemented in China. Against this backdrop, this report, conducted by a diverse team of Chinese and international researchers, argues that the shift towards net-zero cities will fundamentally depend on the strategic execution of the dual transformation towards smart sustainable cities.

Task Force: - Topic: Technology and Innovation Year: 2024 Phase: Phase VII (2022-2027) Active