In recent years, the emphasis on digital and intelligent technology, particularly within China, has reached paramount importance, marked by a deliberate focus on green technology and the acceleration of traditional industries' transformation and upgrading. Manufacturing, as the backbone of these traditional industries, plays a significant role in underpinning a modernized industrial system. The integration of "digitalization + intelligence" into advanced manufacturing is not merely a trend but a necessity to attain high-quality economic development.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the transition of the manufacturing sector towards digitization and intelligence has shown remarkable results. There has been a steady advancement in the construction of a strong manufacturing nation in China. The country has established more than 200 national-level intelligent manufacturing demonstration factories and over 1800 green factories, securing a position among the top three globally concerning industrial robot density. The percentage of key industrial enterprises employing digital research and design tools has reached an impressive 80.8%, and the rate of numerical control in critical processes has increased significantly, showcasing the leaps made over recent years.

The year 2023 sees a renewed commitment to drive smart and digital transformation, with a strong emphasis on assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation journeys. Regions and enterprises are treating these transformations as urgent tasks, establishing model examples for the advancement of modern manufacturing. For instance, Guangdong province has employed extensive equipment upgrades and technical renovations, promoting a holistic “point-line-surface” approach to drive digital transformation. Over the past five years, approximately 40,000 large-scale industrial enterprises and over 700,000 SMEs have leveraged digital technologies to elevate their operations.

Despite substantial progress, challenges remain that hinder the full realization of digitization and intelligence within manufacturing. These include insufficient support for fundamental digital technologies, the need to boost small enterprises' enthusiasm for transformation, and the uneven development of advanced manufacturing sectors. To address these issues effectively, targeted strategies must be implemented to overcome existing deficiencies.

Strengthening research and innovation in digital technologies is crucial. Establishing a robust and innovative national system for technological advancement is imperative, along with boosting self-reliance in research and development capabilities. Efforts should involve the development of core technologies like intelligent sensors, edge operating systems, and high-end chips, aiming to break through critical technical bottlenecks swiftly. Additionally, exploring the construction of advanced 5G/6G networks and accelerating their commercialization are vital steps in laying a digital "highway" conducive to manufacturing growth.

Furthermore, substantial support for SMEs' digital transformation is necessary. This includes consolidating special financial resources, establishing dedicated funds for digitization, and enhancing financing channels while refining compensation mechanisms for risks associated with transitions. Developing a concrete action plan for SMEs’ digital transformation should be a priority, identifying pain points across various industries, collecting real-world application scenarios, and creating a database of solutions tailored to their needs. A collaborative mechanism involving government guidance, platform empowerment, industry leadership, and institutional support should be implemented to promote widespread cloud migration and system upgrades.

Encouraging exemplary models of digital transformation will prove instrumental in guiding the industry onward. Creating and sharing a robust database of relevant industrial chains will stimulate cooperation and enhance the availability of model resources and services designed for high-demand sectors. The integration of successful case studies showcasing best practices is essential, highlighting innovative, replicable industry benchmarks across various manufacturing segments.

The effort to align various manufacturers around shared goals—bridging “data silos” and “business barriers”—will allow businesses to engage in standard adaptations and share information efficiently. Furthermore, showcasing the exemplary outcomes derived from businesses that have successfully navigated their digitization paths can serve as motivation for others within the sector. By categorizing and promoting these successful projects, the foundation will be laid for a more cohesive industrial landscape that thrives on collaborative innovation.

The road ahead entails a meticulous approach to rejuvenate traditional manufacturing through advanced digital initiatives. Investing in technology and knowledge sharing, coupled with concrete support for enterprises willing to evolve, is the only way to ensure that manufacturing stays at the forefront of China’s economic narrative. Digitalization stands not just as a technological evolution, but rather as a vital shift towards sustainable growth and prosperous industry, unlocking potential that can redefine the very essence of how manufacturing functions in the modern world.