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China and Saudi Arabia are both making significant strides in advancing their digital economies through the establishment of national data agencies. China recently established the National Data Agency (NDA) under the National Development and Reform Commission. Led by Liu Liehong, the NDA aims to digitize government services, build smart cities, and promote data sharing between public and private entities. With its vast data resources, China aims to gain a competitive edge in the global AI race and shape the future of AI technology. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has launched the National Data Index (Nudei) to promote transparency, create a national data-based economy, and assess data maturity in government entities. The index, a collaboration between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the National Transformation Program, evaluates government agencies' progress in data management and compliance. These initiatives in China and Saudi Arabia highlight their commitment to digital transformation and their efforts to leverage data for economic growth and innovation. By establishing national data agencies, both countries aim to drive the development of AI and shape the future of their respective digital economies.
China's establishment of the NDA aligns with its leadership in global AI governance and dominance in the trillion-dollar AI space. The country's emphasis on AI development and data sharing reflects its determination to shape the future of AI technology. With its vast amount of data, second only to the United States, China is well-positioned to capitalize on the potential of AI. By creating the NDA, China aims to drive innovation, build smart cities, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors in the pursuit of AI excellence.
The NDA's role in digitizing government services and facilitating data sharing is crucial for China's digital economy. By streamlining government processes and promoting data-driven decision-making, the agency aims to enhance efficiency and productivity across various sectors. Additionally, the establishment of smart cities will leverage AI and data technologies to improve urban living and address societal challenges. China's focus on digital transformation and AI-driven development is expected to have a profound impact on its economy and society.
Saudi Arabia's National Data Index (Nudei) aims to promote transparency, create a national data-based economy, and assess data maturity in government entities. The index, a collaboration between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the National Transformation Program, evaluates government agencies' progress in data management and compliance. The launch of Nudei was attended by global and local experts, including Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs Prince Bandar Bin Abdullah and SDAIA President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi. The Open Data Platform was also upgraded, allowing individuals and organizations to publish open data. The Data Governance Platform will register entities covered by the Personal Data Protection Law and provide support and advice on data privacy. These initiatives in Saudi Arabia demonstrate the country's commitment to digital transformation and its efforts to leverage data for economic growth and innovation.
China's commitment to AI development and data sharing is also reflected in its efforts to establish global standards and norms for AI governance. The country's Global AI Governance Initiative, which advocates for open, fair, and efficient AI development, aligns with its vision of responsible and ethical AI use. By engaging in exchanges and practical cooperation with other nations, China aims to ensure that the benefits of AI are delivered for the greater good of humanity. This collaborative approach to AI governance highlights China's leadership in shaping the future of AI on a global scale.
China's National Data Administration (NDA) has released a three-year action plan for digital resources, focusing on finance, technology, and agriculture as key sectors for digitalization. The plan aims for more than 20% annual growth in the data industry and the doubling of data transactions by 2026. By that year, China plans to have over 300 typical data applications, data application demonstration zones, and innovative data providers and third-party agencies. The 12 sectors in focus include industrial manufacturing, modern agriculture, trade, transport, financial services, technological innovation, culture and tourism, medical care and health, emergency management, meteorological services, smart city governance, and green and low-carbon economy. The digitalization push will involve smart manufacturing, integration of agricultural production, sharing of tax and industry data with financial institutions, and opening up scientific and research data for technological innovation. The NDA, established in October, aims to drive digital development, introduce unified standards for data sharing, and support the digitalization of public services.
Saudi Arabia has ranked first in the UN index for e-government services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the second consecutive year. The ranking is based on the 2023 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, which evaluates 17 countries based on the maturity of 84 priority government services. Saudi Arabia achieved distinction in all indicators and experienced significant development in each. The country has also achieved high scores in other global rankings, including the GOVTECH Maturity Index and the E-Government Development Index. The overall index reflects a high maturity score of 93 percent, with increases in the indicators of service availability and sophistication, service usage and satisfaction, and public outreach. The achievement aligns with the goals set by Vision 2030 programs in building a digital society and investing in new technologies.
Saudi Arabia has been recognized as 'the most improved country overall' in the 12th edition of the US Chamber of Commerce International Intellectual Property Index. The report highlights the Kingdom's achievements in the technology sector, including signing important international treaties and making progress in enforcement and other indicators. The ranking boost gives more confidence to investors. The US Chamber of Commerce considers over 50 indices when ranking countries. The Kingdom has allocated $2 million to artificial intelligence companies and ranks 31st in the Global AI index. The Chamber has commissioned a report on the benefits of AI for the Kingdom, which will be released in March. The report includes sector-by-sector analysis and policy recommendations. The Chamber aims to encourage partnerships with the business community, government, and academia in Saudi Arabia to drive the establishment of a diversified, knowledge-based economy aligned with Vision 2030.
Open data reaps more benefits than harms by facilitating participatory governance through a “common language” shared between governments, citizens, and the private sector, according to speakers at a geospatial forum moderated by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). The forum discussed the potential consequences of open data access, including concerns around privacy and data misuse. City planners from Melbourne and Rotterdam highlighted the benefits of open geospatial data, such as fostering citizen trust and enabling private sector participation in developing innovative solutions. The speakers emphasized the importance of making data accessible and the role of government in investing in geospatial data collection. Standardization and integration of geospatial planning processes and metrics were identified as the next steps, with cross-border partnerships between Singapore and Hamburg mentioned as an example. The forum also saw two agreements signed, one between SLA and Bhutan’s National Land Commission to deepen Bhutan’s geospatial capabilities, and another between SLA and SMU’s College of Integrative Studies and Urban Institute to leverage geospatial data for research projects on climate change and urban challenges.
In conclusion, China and Saudi Arabia's establishment of national data agencies marks significant milestones in their journeys towards becoming global leaders in the digital economy and AI technology. With a focus on data sharing, smart cities, and government digitization, both countries aim to leverage their vast data resources to drive innovation and shape the future of AI. These moves align with their leadership in AI governance and their efforts to harness the power of data for economic growth and societal development. As China and Saudi Arabia continue to invest in AI development and foster international collaboration, the world can expect to see further advancements in AI technology and its impact on various industries and sectors.