DAN’s Digital Society Index China report sheds light on embracing the potential of disruption

Dentsu Aegis Network has releasd the China edition of the Digital Society Index (DSI), created in partnership with Oxford Economics, which ranks 10 countries on how successful they are in building a digital economy that works for all in society.

While the global report was released earlier this year, this edition has a deep dive with China-specific data to share key insights that has not previously been made public.

VIEW THE FULL REPORT: China Digital Society Index Sept 2018.PDF

The research shows that, while the US is currently leading the way when it comes to digital dynamism, China is ranked first when it comes to optimism about the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on work and life.

73% of people in China believe that the future impact of digital technology will be positive overall, as well as in terms of its ability to create jobs and address societal challenges. In comparison to negative perceptions in the West, 65% believe that emerging digital technologies (e.g. AI, robotics) will create job opportunities over the next 5-10 years.

In addition, 68% of people in China believe that their formal education (e.g. school, college, university) has given them the technology skills and knowledge they need — the highest proportion by far out of the countries we analysed.

China also has the smallest gender gap in terms of digital engagement out of the countries analysed — women in China are 42% more optimistic about the future than their counterparts in the Japan and 36% greater than women in the UK.

However, action will be needed to deliver on this expectation. Despite largescale investment in new technologies and many ground-breaking innovations, China ranks further down the index in terms of digital dynamism (8th), the core engine of digital growth.

Susana Tsui, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network China commented: “Ensuring access to the right skills, building confidence in new products and services, as well as establishing the right norms and protocols around sharing data, are all essential elements of a future-proof strategy. Dentsu Aegis Network China is committed to continue to understand, learn, apply and share our research findings to deliver relevant creative and innovative work for our clients and the industry. We’re investing in our people and products to ensure that our business continues to play a key role in China’s exciting journey. This transition to a digital economy represents an unparalleled opportunity to drive economic growth and change lives.”

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