Core Insights - The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has intensified global strategic competition, with intelligent computing centers becoming a new infrastructure in tech competition [1] - Investment in intelligent computing centers in China has surged from hundreds of billions to trillions, with nearly 150 operational projects and close to 400 under construction or planning as of November 2024 [2][3] Investment Trends - As of August 2024, the total number of intelligent computing center projects in China exceeded 300, with a computing power scale surpassing 500,000 PFlops, and over 50 new projects launched in 2024 alone [3] - The total investment in 128 disclosed projects reached over 430 billion yuan, but only 16 projects are in operation or trial phases, indicating a significant gap between planned and actual deployment [3][9] Structural Issues - The market is experiencing a "structural mismatch" rather than an outright surplus of computing power, with significant demand growth in AI inference driving the need for more efficient resource allocation [5][9] - Some intelligent computing centers report utilization rates as low as 10-15%, with certain centers having GPU utilization below 30%, leading to concerns about resource wastage [9][11] Management and Operational Challenges - The supply chain uncertainties, particularly regarding NVIDIA chips, pose challenges for intelligent computing centers, prompting a shift towards domestic chip manufacturers providing comprehensive solutions [12][14] - The industry is moving towards "refined management," with traditional leasing models becoming less profitable, necessitating mergers and resource reallocation to enhance efficiency [14][15] Future Outlook - The ongoing demand for AI inference and the acceleration of domestic chip development are critical for the industry's future, with a focus on building a sustainable computing power system [14] - The integration of AI technology with industry applications requires a skilled workforce, emphasizing the need for professionals who understand both AI and industry-specific needs [14]