How Has Beijing Become a 'Global High Ground'?
How did Beijing become a "global highland"? In the first half of the year, Beijing's GDP grew by 5.4%, with growth in Q1 reaching 5.9%. Key drivers were not consumption or real estate, but hardcore sectors like chips, robotics, computing power, and large AI models. Investment concentrated sharply in tech, with high-tech manufacturing investment up 36% and technology services investment up 87.2%. Nearly 90% of venture capital flowed into hard tech.
Output figures were strong: integrated circuit production rose 17.8%, industrial robots 75.5%, and service robots surged 230%. Companies like Qianxun AI and Galaxy General Robotics are deploying robots in real-world logistics and manufacturing, moving beyond demonstrations. The services sector is also being reshaped by tech, with software, IT, and finance growing faster than the sector average.
Beijing leads in AI and embodied intelligence. Galaxy General Robotics secured significant funding, including from state-backed funds. The city released foundational AI models and its independent AI ecosystem, FlagOS, is expanding. Companies like Jiuzhang Yunjie provide neutral computing power and base models, supporting the broader ecosystem.
Infrastructure is expanding, with Beijing aiming to add over 70,000 Petaflops of intelligent computing power annually. A "Beijing R&D, surrounding training" model is emerging, with computing resources being allocated to regions like Hebei and Tianjin. Efforts to deepen integration within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region include industrial relocation and improved transport links. To bridge the gap between lab and market, Beijing is establishing pilot-scale production platforms.
The underlying trend is the convergence of computing power, capital, talent, and real-world applications. While challenges remain in commercialization and regional integration, Beijing's focus on strengthening these interconnected elements is building the foundation for its claim as a global innovation hub.
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