Opinions of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council on Accelerating the Development and Utilization of Public Data Resources

On September 21, 2024, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the General Office of the State Council i

On September 21, 2024, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the General Office of the State Council issued a directive on accelerating the development and utilization of public data resources. This initiative recognizes the public data generated by government agencies and enterprises as a significant foundational strategic resource for the nation. With the approval of the Central Committee and the State Council, the following key points have been outlined to enhance the use of public data resources, unlock their potential, and promote high-quality development.

**Overall Requirements**
Guided by Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we aim to implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress and its subsequent meetings. The focus is on a comprehensive understanding of the new development philosophy, balancing development and security, and pursuing efficiency and fairness. We will work to facilitate the compliant and efficient flow of public data, aiming to improve the level of resource development and utilization, eliminate systemic barriers, invigorate the dynamics of sharing and openness, and optimize the allocation of public data resources. The ultimate goal is to reinforce and expand the digital economy, establish new competitive advantages for the nation, and provide solid support for these objectives.

The approach emphasizes government guidance and market-driven initiatives. The government will strengthen its oversight while the market mechanisms will be better utilized to expand public data supply and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resource allocation. Adhering to principles of respect for established norms and innovative practices, regions and departments are encouraged to tailor their strategies for open sharing and regulated operational models while enhancing the management framework for resource development and utilization.

**Goals**
By 2025, we aim to establish preliminary rules for the development and utilization of public data resources, significantly enhance the quality and scale of resource provision, and enrich the range of data products and services. By 2030, we expect these systems to be fully matured, ensuring compliance and efficiency in data circulation, while capitalizing on public data’s role in empowering the real economy, boosting consumer demand, expanding investment prospects, and enhancing governance capabilities.

**Deepening Reform in Data Resource Allocation**
We will systematically advance the sharing of government data, improve catalog management, and ensure quality while actively promoting both proactive and on-demand sharing of data. The focus will be on strengthening existing data-sharing platforms and enhancing business collaboration across various levels and sectors to improve public satisfaction.

Efforts will be made to promote the orderly opening of public data by establishing a clear policy framework that outlines responsibilities while safeguarding national data security and protecting individual and business confidentiality. Public data that addresses urgent social needs will be prioritized for open access, alongside mechanisms for public feedback on data openness.

**Encouraging Innovative Applications**
The aim is to enrich application scenarios where there is a demand for data resources, supporting enterprises in the development of products and services using public data. There’s a particular focus on the use of data resource collaboration in key regions and sectors, to promote integrated market development and nurture new industries.

**Strengthening Management and Oversight**
A robust management system for public data resources will be established, including registration and oversight of public data handling, to ensure data quality and traceability. Transparency will be encouraged through the public disclosure of operational details regarding data resource usage, maintaining integrity and fairness in competitive practices.

**Fostering a Positive Environment for Development**
The initiative underscores the need for a secure and supportive environment for data innovation, calling for clarified responsibilities among data management entities while highlighting innovation incentives. There will be greater enforcement of data security measures and a focus on managing risks associated with data utilization.

**Strengthening Organizational Implementation**
Leadership will be reinforced, with all levels of government expected to actively coordinate efforts to realize this initiative. Financial support for the development of data infrastructure will be a priority, with encouragement for financial institutions to support data-driven enterprises. Additionally, the framework for evaluating performance in the development and utilization of public data resources will be enhanced to facilitate compliance and improvement across the board.

Overall, the directive seeks to foster a culture of responsibility, innovation, and collaboration in harnessing the full potential of public data resources to drive socioeconomic growth and enhance governance in China.