Researcher: Digital economy plus manufacturing key to development

The deep integration of the digital economy and technologies with the traditional manufacturing industry is the key to China's high-quality development, said Zhang Yansheng, a senior researcher with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

Zhang made the remarks on the sideline of the ongoing New Economy Forum, which is co-organized by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and Bloomberg in Beijing.

Zhang said China should have enough historical patience, strategic willpower and rational thinking and join hands with international partners to bolster the innovation.

Zhang added talent is of great significance to technological innovation, while noting it is the best time for Chinese enterprises to enhance their competitiveness amid a slowdown in the manufacturing sector.

China's innovation capability has been improving over the past years, Zhang said, calling for making the country's western and central regions the new engine of innovation.