In recent years, the Tianxin Economic Development Zone in Changsha, Hunan Province, has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of the digital economy, particularly in fields such as big data and artificial intelligence. By leveraging its local strengths, the region has embraced digital transformation as a pathway to foster and develop a new type of productive force.

The digital economy is characterized by its innovative nature and extensive reach, covering a range of areas including big data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This emerging sector is not only a catalyst for economic growth but also plays a critical role in modernizing traditional industries. The Tianxin Economic Development Zone has seized the historical opportunity presented by big data, articulating a high-level plan for the development of the digital economy, devising quality platform strategies, and cultivating a robust industrial ecosystem. The area has seen the establishment of a data exchange, two computing power centers, and eight data centers, creating a sophisticated infrastructure for digital economic activities. The region’s digital economy is projected to reach nearly 40 billion yuan in scale.

Data has emerged as a critical new factor of production, playing an indispensable role in cultivating new productive capacities. As technological advancements and industrial revolutions evolve, the value of data as a pivotal resource has become increasingly pronounced, transforming it into a fundamental strategic asset for nations. Data is rapidly enveloping various sectors of economic and social governance, significantly altering production methodologies, lifestyles, and social management models. In essence, those who effectively harness the potential of data will likely gain a competitive edge and proactively navigate future challenges. The Tianxin Economic Development Zone is actively implementing the national big data strategy, anchored by the Hunan Big Data Exchange, the first licensed data factor market in the central region and the fifth in the country. This establishment is creating an ecosystem in which data flows seamlessly through various channels—from storage and production oversight to transactions and applications. A circular data resource system focused on four primary sources—government affairs, geographic information, meteorological data, and audio-visual materials—has begun to take shape. Just last year, the transaction system at the Hunan Big Data Exchange was launched, achieving a remarkable cumulative transaction volume of over 1.2 billion yuan.

Finally, digital talent represents a crucial resource and an essential wellspring for cultivating new productive capacities. Attaining high levels of technological independence and fostering new productive capacities ultimately hinge on the presence of innovative and skilled talent. The Tianxin Economic Development Zone, acknowledging the broader trajectory of digital economic development, has embraced the digital economy's momentum by launching the "Tianxin Red" digital talent initiative. This initiative aims to establish service stations for technological innovation while fostering both high-standard recruitment and high-quality training for personnel. To date, over 30,000 digital talents have been cultivated and attracted to the zone, creating a substantial reservoir of human resources that supports the ongoing growth of the digital economy and the development of new productive capacities.