Guangzhou to pioneer 4th Industrial Revolution, expert says

"Guangzhou will be at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," said David Aikman, chief representative officer for China at the World Economic Forum (WEF), during an interview with Guangzhou Daily on June 28.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, is a coming-of-age, where various fields such as artificial intelligence and machine-learning, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and genetics and biotechnology will converge.

Aikman made his comments at the WEF, also known as Summer Davos, in Dalian, Liaoning province.

Guangzhou can continue to put its name out across the world and share its knowledge and wisdom with other countries, according to Aikman, citing Guangzhou-based Ehang's passenger-carrying drone - the Ehang 184.

David Aikman, chief representative officer for China at the World Economic Forum (WEF), speaks highly of Guangzhou's innovative development during an interview on June 28. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

"The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by ubiquitous digitalized infrastructures, will be the source of sustained competitiveness and long-term prosperity," Aikman said. "Guangzhou will attach more attention to developing in global markets and seize its opportunities in world-leading sectors."

The Guangdong capital is now pushing forward a rising number of companies engaged in artificial intelligence, biological medicine and next-generation information technology (IAB), as well as modern service industry and new emerging economies. 

In Aikman's opinion, Guangzhou has competitive advantages in industrial bases, market dynamics, transportation, logistics, talent pools and development potentials, in terms of developing IAB industries. 

Guangzhou has a great business climate full of vitality, and can be set as a model on the course of transformation in China, said Aikman.

The city's culture, cuisine, cutting-edge technology, and innovative products, were also showcased at an exclusive "Guangzhou Night" event during Summer Davos.

Guangzhou-based innovative enterprise Ehang's passenger-carrying drone is displayed at the Summer Davos event in Dalian, Liaoning province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]