Core Insights - The research led by Professor Xu Xin from Tsinghua University addresses the challenge of measuring the social value created by free digital products and services in the digital economy [2][4]. Group 1: Research Framework and Methodology - The "GDP-B" (Gross Domestic Product-Benefit) measurement method has been introduced to fill the gap in measuring digital welfare, combining empirical research and experimental design to create a scientific measurement system [5][7]. - The GDP-B method balances objective price data and subjective survey data, making intangible digital welfare measurable and comparable [7]. Group 2: Findings from the Research - A large-scale pre-survey covering 13,000 respondents across 11 cities in China revealed that consumers perceive a significantly higher value from digital services compared to international counterparts [8]. - The research indicates that digital welfare is dynamic and varies with usage scenarios and service states, suggesting a need for a more nuanced understanding of digital value [8]. Group 3: Economic Insights and Future Research - The study explores the relationship between digital welfare and economic development, raising questions about the unique shape of China's "digital Kuznets curve" compared to findings from other countries [9]. - A continuous research plan is proposed to establish a dynamic database on digital welfare in China, aiming to provide a solid empirical foundation for understanding the development patterns of the digital economy [9][10]. Group 4: Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions - The research aims to create a long-term observation system for digital welfare in collaboration with organizations like Tencent, providing scientific evidence for policy-making in the digital economy [10]. - Plans include opening research data for broader academic exploration and developing intelligent economic models based on large-scale empirical data [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative research led by Professor Xu Xin from Tsinghua University, focusing on measuring the social value created by free digital products and services in the context of the digital economy [2][5]. Group 1: Research Background and Motivation - Professor Xu Xin emphasizes the need to scientifically measure the social value of free digital products, such as AR glasses that help hearing-impaired individuals, which significantly enhance their learning and workplace integration [5][6]. - The research aims to redefine the essence of value in the digital economy, especially as traditional price signals become less relevant [5][6]. Group 2: Methodology and Framework - The research introduces the "GDP-B" (Gross Domestic Product-Benefit) measurement method, which combines empirical research and experimental design to create a scientific measurement system for digital welfare [7][9]. - This method aims to balance objective price data and subjective survey data, making the intangible digital welfare measurable and comparable [9][10]. Group 3: Findings and Insights - A large-scale pre-survey involving 13,000 respondents across 11 cities revealed that Chinese consumers have a significantly higher perception of value from digital services compared to international counterparts [10][11]. - The research also indicates that digital welfare is dynamic, changing with usage scenarios and service states, suggesting a need for a more nuanced understanding of digital value [11][12]. Group 4: Future Research Directions - The research team plans to conduct quarterly nationwide surveys to establish a dynamic database on digital welfare in China, aiming to uncover underlying patterns and relationships with economic development [14][15]. - The study seeks to provide a scientific basis for policy-making in the digital economy, collaborating with organizations like Tencent to create a long-term observation system for digital welfare [15][17]. Group 5: Broader Implications - The research not only contributes to academic theory but also aims to enhance the understanding of social value in the digital economy, highlighting the importance of measuring digital welfare for high-quality development [15][17]. - The initiative is expected to foster a research ecosystem that supports data openness and the development of intelligent economic models, addressing deeper questions about value creation in the digital age [17].