Beijing Releases Web 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023) at Zhongguancun Forum

On May 27, 2023, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee unveiled the “Beijing Web 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023)” at the parallel forum of the Zhongguancun Forum titled “Web 3.0: Future Development of the Internet Industry.”

The release of the White Paper aims to consolidate industry consensus and promote industry development, representing an important initiative by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Management Committee to advance Web 3.0 industry development. The White Paper provides a systematic analysis and exposition on the connotations, system architecture, domestic and international development status, Beijing’s development status, and development recommendations of Web 3.0.

According to the White Paper, Web 3.0 represents the culmination of modern science and technology and is an inevitable trend in the future development of the Internet industry. It encompasses highly immersive interactive experiences and the convergence of virtual and real-world spaces, including the essence of the metaverse and Web3.

The White Paper outlines a four-layer framework for the Web 3.0 system architecture, including the infrastructure layer, interaction terminal layer, platform tool layer, and application layer. The infrastructure layer provides essential support for the operation of Web 3.0, including technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, computing chips, and communication networks. The interaction terminal layer supports device and technological support for perceiving and interacting with the virtual and real worlds, including XR terminals, holographic imaging, and brain-computer interfaces. The platform tool layer provides technical support for constructing behavioral entities and digital environments in virtual spaces, involving technologies such as digital content production and digital twinning. The application layer offers services for consumer entertainment, industrial manufacturing, government services, and urban management. Typical application carriers with Web 3.0 characteristics include digital humans, virtual spaces, and digital asset circulation platforms. The White Paper provides a detailed analysis of the key core technologies and industrial application directions related to Web 3.0.

From the perspective of industry development, the White Paper identifies generative artificial intelligence, XR interaction terminals, and content creation tool platforms as the research hotspots in the Web 3.0 industry. Domestic and international tech giants, including Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent, are actively engaged in layout and leading the industry. Emerging applications such as digital humans and digital collectibles are rapidly developing and being implemented, with innovative entities exploring their application in various fields. Web 3.0 social organizations demonstrate active performance, and the capital market is gradually returning to rationality.

At the national level, the United States is leading the global development of the Web 3.0 industry, while Europe emphasizes privacy protection, and Japan and South Korea strive to become leaders in Web 3.0. Local governments in China are actively planning and developing, with over 30 provinces and cities having issued supportive policies. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and other cities are particularly proactive.

Regarding the current development status of the Web 3.0 industry in Beijing, the White Paper believes that Beijing holds a leading position in terms of policies and measures for Web 3.0 industry development, innovative enterprises, and research foundations in the field. Currently, Beijing is planning a series of work measures in key technologies, common technology platforms, application scenarios, innovation ecology, and regulation to accelerate the construction of an internationally influential innovation hub for Web 3.0. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to strengthen the coordination between the city and its districts to promote regionally specialized development.