In the digital era, data has emerged as a new form of “fuel,” seamlessly integrating into industries across the globe and catalyzing a profound socioeconomic transformation. Embracing this shift, Baoshan District has strategically harnessed its industrial and innovation resources to drive a remarkable transformation of its industries. Over the past few years, the district has replaced the loud hum of steel factories with the quiet power of data flows in smart parks, fostering the digital transformation of traditional enterprises and promoting scenario innovation in emerging sectors. As a result, the district has attracted a growing number of key players in the data industry, shifting from simply increasing the number of enterprises to enhancing the overall capabilities of its industrial landscape.

I. Transformation of Traditional Industries: From Industrial Powerhouse to Data Resource Hub

Baoshan is at the forefront of the industrial digitalization and intelligent transformation wave, where a new generation of pioneering enterprises is harnessing the power of data to rebuild their core competitiveness. By tapping into Baoshan’s robust cluster of internet services, these enterprises are integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data into their production lines, effectively transforming their traditional expertise and accumulated knowledge into valuable data resources.

A prime example of this transformation is Mysteel. The company has aggregated data on production, supply, sales, and prices of bulk commodities, along with remote sensing satellite data, to create a series of innovative data products, including commodity price indices. By leveraging AI and big data, Mysteel has developed an intelligent prediction algorithm for bulk commodity prices, capable of accurately forecasting price trends for 7 to 15 days. The company has also built a dynamic database, covering over 100,000 sample enterprises across ten major sectors, such as ferrous metals and energy chemicals. This has bolstered the international pricing power of 12 key bulk commodity indices, including iron ore and rebar, while enhancing the global influence of “China Prices.”

These leading enterprises have not only redefined the core competitiveness of traditional industries like steel and logistics but have also turned Baoshan’s rich industrial heritage into a data-driven advantage. This digital transformation is injecting significant momentum into the high-quality development of the regional economy, shaping Baoshan’s future as a key hub for data innovation.

Ⅱ. Scenario Innovation in Emerging Industries: Companies in Niche Sectors Unlock the Value of Data

In Baoshan District, a wave of innovative enterprises in emerging sectors is harnessing the power of data to create new value and drive industry transformation.

One standout example is E-C Digital, a leader in the digital-powered carbon reduction sector. Specializing in cloud computing for quantifying the carbon emissions of industrial manufacturers, E-C Digital has developed its own specialized carbon quantification software, “JIMU LCA Cloud”. This cutting-edge platform provides businesses with efficient, accurate tools for organizational carbon accounting and product carbon footprint analysis, filling a crucial gap in the market.

E-C Digital has also built the HiQLCD database, which integrates over 500,000 local impact factors across more than 50 niche sectors in China. This comprehensive resource has dramatically lowered the barriers to carbon management and reduced the costs of data application for industrial enterprises. More importantly, it bridges the gap between China’s industrial carbon data and international standards, making carbon tracking and management more accessible and standardized for businesses.

Another notable example is CarbonNewture, a technology company committed to developing platforms that facilitate cross-border carbon data flow and ensure credible disclosure. The company specializes in building “dual-carbon” information disclosure platforms for industries such as machinery, textiles, and light manufacturing. By providing enterprises with standardized and internationally recognized carbon disclosure channels, CarbonNewture is creating pathways for the secure and compliant use of domestic carbon data in global green trade ( such as the EU’s CBAM carbon).

In the digital advertising sector, Weimob harnesses its powerful data processing capabilities to manage billions of consumer behavior data points daily, delivering tailored, end-to-end marketing solutions for retail, FMCG, and other industries. Through its advanced digital advertising service platform, Weimob provides precise consumer insights, enabling intelligent ad placement and real-time performance evaluation. With over 500,000 domestic and international brand clients, the company has significantly enhanced brand influence and marketing conversion rates.

In the digital human resources sector, Shanghai Tiny Brick Network Technology has created an intelligent job-matching platform powered by vast, dynamic employment data. By leveraging real interaction data, the platform delivers intelligent, precise job-candidate matching. Its platforms, “No.1 Workplace” and “No.1 Direct Hire”, are the only ones on the market that seamlessly integrate with major social and work apps like Alipay, DingTalk, Douyin, Feishu, and WeChat. With a user base of 1 billion job seekers and 50 million enterprises, these platforms have established a robust cross-platform communication channel, revolutionizing the recruitment landscape.

In the low-altitude economy sector, 1ren Data, a leading provider of spatiotemporal intelligence services, has independently developed the Xinghan Spatiotemporal Data Model. This model automates the precise identification, extraction, and integration of spatiotemporal data elements, combining data from low-altitude aircraft, intelligent cameras, and transportation systems. The result is an integrated air-space-ground data sensing network that provides accurate positioning and navigation information for low-altitude aircraft.

Today, Baoshan has built a unique data application matrix across a wide array of specialized sectors, positioning itself as a central engine fueling the regional digital economy. Moving from isolated breakthroughs to holistic cluster development, this transformation is continuously injecting new life and innovation into the data industry.

Ⅲ. Infrastructure “Capacity Enhancement”: Strengthening the Foundation for Trusted Data Circulation

Reliable infrastructure is crucial for unlocking the full potential of data. With a clear vision in mind, Baoshan District is dedicated to building an efficient, trusted system for data circulation, with a focus on strengthening computing power and ensuring secure, verifiable data flows across industries.

Computing power upgrade: Baoshan is accelerating its shift toward intelligent computing by leveraging advanced computing centers like Bao Cloud, CSTNET, and CTTIC Smart Data. These facilities are pivotal in supporting large-scale model training and data applications. Meanwhile, companies such as Anqing Computing Power, Ib Semiconductor, and Taichu Yuanheng Intelligent Technology are making significant strides in developing domestically produced AI servers and chips. These innovations are propelling Baoshan’s intelligent computing industry towards greater self-reliance and independent technological advancement.

Trusted circulation: To address challenges around data ownership verification and security, Baoshan is actively promoting blockchain technology adoption across enterprises. Companies like Ouyeel and Ouyeel Industrial Products are leading the way in implementing blockchain-based data tracking systems in areas like green and low-carbon, and commercial logistics.

IoT Sensing: Renwei Electronics is spearheading the establishment of the China Short-Range IoT Open Network Industrial Park, which aims to create a ubiquitous IoT sensing network. This network captures data from a wide range of scenarios, spanning both industrial production and daily life. By providing the foundational data infrastructure, Renwei is laying the groundwork for digital twin city construction.

Ⅳ. Future Layout Ecosystem Empowerment: Four Initiatives to Unlock Data’s Full Potential

Looking ahead, Baoshan District is adopting a forward-thinking approach, coupled with concrete actions, to continuously optimize its data industry ecosystem and elevate its capabilities:

Creating a “testing ground” for data innovation

Baoshan is establishing data innovation laboratories within the Jiuzhang Intelligent Computing Hub at Nanda Smart City. With a focus on key areas such as green and low-carbon technologies, bulk trading, inclusive finance, and robotics, these labs aim to drive the deep integration of public and industry data, thus accelerating the incubation of high-value data products and the innovation of data service models.

Building a robust support system for public digital services

Baoshan will strengthen its local infrastructure in computing power, data security, services, and solutions by compiling a comprehensive public digital service platform directory. This initiative aims to create an open and shared service ecosystem, providing systematic and convenient data services to local enterprises, enabling precise supply-demand matching, and reducing barriers to data application.

Deepening supply-demand integration through enhanced connectivity

The district will host regular training sessions, exchange forums, and supply-demand matchmaking events centered around data elements. These efforts will enhance collaboration among data enterprises, computing power providers, and data technology firms, fostering resource sharing and creating synergies among businesses.

Opening up full-scale scenarios to invigorate the ecosystem

Building on the development of the Cloud Nanda Digital Twin City, Baoshan will open up a wide array of digital scenarios, forming a Scenario Open Alliance. This initiative will prioritize cutting-edge applications such as humanoid robots, the metaverse, and the low-altitude economy. By using these scenarios to drive R&D and application-focused clustering, Baoshan will attract top global enterprises and innovative talent, further strengthening its position as a hub for future-forward technology.

From the digital transformation of traditional industries to the rapid emergence of new sectors, Baoshan’s data industry is evolving, shifting from mere quantitative growth to transformative qualitative leaps. The innovative potential of data is steadily unfolding, sparking the creation of new business models. Looking ahead, Baoshan will continue to prioritize data-driven development, deepening the integration of its digital and physical economies. By optimizing the industrial ecosystem and expanding application scenarios, the district aims to foster sustainable growth. Baoshan will also capitalize on its diverse resources, innovative use cases, and dynamic, collaborative ecosystem to drive the continuous advancement of its data industry.