By Liu Changyu, Long Haibo & Jiang Xiheng, China Center for International Knowledge on Development

Research Report, No.381, 2021 (Total 6446) 2021-12-10

Abstract: Guizhou province’s digital transformation is a prime example for underdeveloped areas to catch up with other provinces in economic growth, and also an important pillar for backing up poverty alleviation results and boosting rural rejuvenation. Based on its comparative edges, late-runner’s advantages and institutional strength, Guizhou has prioritized three strategies of rural rejuvenation, big data and wider ecosystem to incorporate digitalization into agricultural modernization. Digitalized community-level governance helps lay a solid foundation for rural organization building, pave the way for agriculture-involved industries, bolster rural  employment, foster rural culture inheritance and expand room for communications of folk customs, and create conditions for rural ecological protection and recovery through environmental management. Guizhou’s practices prove that digital economy is the key to its successful overtaking in the corner. Therefore, its experience is worthy of reference for China’s other underdeveloped areas and other developing countries across the world. Guizhou’s experience includes boosting digital transformation based on local advantages, promoting digital village building through integrated data platforms, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas with digital technologies and making digital dividends inject new impetus into rural rejuvenation.

Keywords: rural rejuvenation, digital transformation, digital villages, big data, Guizhou province