【论道新质生产力】中国有望成为全球低空经济引领者

Core Insights - The low-altitude economy in China is transitioning from concept to practical implementation, driven by policy support and technological advancements, but faces challenges in commercialization due to high investment and difficulty in monetization [1][2][3] Policy Support - The central government has elevated the low-altitude economy to a national strategy, with significant milestones including the 2021 "National Comprehensive Transportation Network Planning Outline" and the 2023 Central Economic Work Conference designating it as a "strategic emerging industry" [2] - By 2024, the "Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flights" will provide legal support, and by 2025, multiple pilot cities are expected to open low-altitude airspace for applications like drone logistics and urban air mobility (UAM) [2] - Local governments are also actively supporting the low-altitude economy, with cities like Shenzhen aiming for an industry scale exceeding 100 billion yuan, and initiatives in cities like Hefei, Chengdu, and Hainan focusing on eVTOL commercialization and low-altitude tourism [2][3] Commercialization Models - The primary business model of the low-altitude economy revolves around "hardware sales + operational services + data monetization" [2] - Hardware sales include drones for logistics, inspection, and agriculture, with companies like DJI and EHang leading the market [2] - Operational services encompass logistics delivery, low-altitude tourism, and UAM, with various pricing models such as per-use fees and subscription services [3] - Data monetization involves airspace management data and industry application data, with revenue generated through data subscriptions and AI analysis services [3] Challenges and Strategies - Companies face significant challenges, including high upfront costs for eVTOL development, regulatory restrictions on airspace, limited market demand, and a complex economic environment affecting financing [3][4] - Short-term strategies focus on B2B and government needs, seeking subsidies and participating in smart city projects, while adopting asset-light models like drone leasing [4] - Long-term strategies involve reducing technology costs, fostering ecosystem partnerships, and cultivating consumer markets through low-altitude tourism and education [4] Future Outlook - The low-altitude economy is projected to become a new growth point for China's economy, with expectations for large-scale implementation of logistics and agricultural drones by 2025-2030, and potential for UAM to become a trillion-yuan market post-2030 if airspace is fully opened [4][5]