An aerial view of the Qingdao Artificial Intelligence Industrial Park in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Qingdao has unveiled a five-year plan to expand its artificial intelligence industry, accelerate digital transformation, and integrate smart technologies into public services and urban governance.

Under the Digital Qingdao Development Plan for 2026-30, the city aims to grow its AI industry to more than 160 billion yuan ($22.5 billion) and attract over 3,000 data-related companies by 2030.

The plan also aims to deploy over 100 AI agent applications for specific industries and urban services, while increasing the number of influential, independently developed large AI models from 70 in 2025 to 100 by 2030.

Industrial digitalization is another priority. Qingdao plans to establish five digital industry clusters, each with an annual output exceeding 100 billion yuan, and achieve near-universal digital transformation among major industrial enterprises.

To support secure data sharing, the city will develop at least 12 trusted data spaces in sectors including marine industries, manufacturing, and healthcare.

The plan also calls for stronger digital infrastructure, improved international connectivity, and more accessible government services.

By 2030, Qingdao aims to cut the average number of documents required for government services by more than 60 percent, simplifying administrative procedures for businesses and residents.