No business or government leader today would question that the Internet of Things drives growth, productivity and innovation. Like the industrial revolutions before it, the Internet of Things is becoming a new driving force in the global economy.

Globally, nations are scrambling to seize the opportunities this new digital age promises, but for China, the task is particularly urgent. The economy has slowed down, productivity growth has dwindled, while competition at home and abroad has intensified. Many of the country's industries are keen to move up in the value chain and build up their innovation capacity.

China's government has, in response, introduced the "Internet Plus" strategy and the "China Manufacturing 2025" initiative, aiming to boost the country's competitiveness through the extensive application of digital technologies led by the Internet of Things.