【发展之道】以产业创新助力消费增长

Core Viewpoint - Expanding domestic demand is essential for maintaining long-term economic health in China and meeting the growing needs of the population for a better life. The shift from high-speed to medium-high-speed growth necessitates increasing the consumption rate and addressing consumption shortfalls through industrial innovation and high-value-added industries, particularly in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Context - China's economy faces long-term pressures from an aging population, with the consumer rate at approximately 39.6% in 2023, significantly lower than developed countries (50%-70%) and the global average for middle-income countries (55%) [1]. - The traditional approach of income distribution adjustment is limited, necessitating a focus on industrial innovation to create new consumption demand and enhance overall economic growth [1][2]. Group 2: Industrial Innovation and Consumption - Developing high-value and high-tech industries is crucial for expanding economic growth during the medium-high-speed growth phase. Historical examples from the U.S. and Japan illustrate how technological advancements in sectors like information technology and healthcare have led to significant increases in service consumption [2]. - Artificial intelligence is identified as a key driver for consumption growth, enhancing production efficiency and creating high-income jobs, particularly in sectors like smart manufacturing and new energy vehicles [3]. Group 3: Synergy Between Technology and Consumption - The integration of artificial intelligence in consumer sectors is transforming traditional products into smarter, higher-end offerings, while also tailoring services to meet consumer needs. For instance, online retail sales are projected to account for 26.8% of total retail sales by 2024, with AI systems improving conversion rates by over 40% [4]. - The growth in high-tech industries has led to an average annual real income growth of 6.1% for residents from 2013 to 2024, with incomes in high-tech sectors growing faster than in traditional industries, highlighting the positive impact of industrial innovation on income distribution [4]. Group 4: Policy and Market Dynamics - The pathway of "industrial policy—developing domestic demand—expanding growth—income distribution—promoting consumption" has shown significant advantages over mere income distribution adjustments, creating new value through technological innovation and industrial upgrades [5]. - Initiatives like the trade-in policy for consumer goods and the promotion of AI in consumption are fostering a positive interaction between policy guidance, industrial upgrades, and consumption expansion, benefiting both industry and consumer welfare [5]. Group 5: Future Outlook - China is at a critical juncture for industrial and consumption upgrades, with a vast market of 1.4 billion people and a growing middle-income group providing ample opportunities for industrial innovation [5]. - Focusing on key sectors such as artificial intelligence, high-end equipment, and biomedicine, while optimizing income distribution, is essential for activating consumption potential and ensuring domestic demand becomes a primary driver of economic growth [5][6].