The 2025 IDC Directions China ICT Market Trends Forum, marking its 60th year, launched in Shenzhen on May 15, 2025, attracting nearly 300 industry leaders, digital experts, and investors. Themed ¡°AI Leads, Reshaping the Path to Transformation,¡± the event provided insights into global and Chinese ICT trends, focusing on AI¡¯s role in driving business innovation.
[](https://www.idc.com/cn/home/)Key Themes and Insights
IDC China¡¯s analysts shared data-driven perspectives to guide enterprises through market uncertainties, such as trade tensions, while emphasizing investments in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and system optimization.
AI Transformation Strategies
The forum highlighted AI¡¯s shift from pilot projects to large-scale adoption, driven by declining costs and enhanced delivery by tech providers. IDC¡¯s global AI maturity model benchmark study outlined industry adoption stages and transformation paths, emphasizing:
- Strategic realignment with value-driven AI scenarios.
- Organizational restructuring and talent development for AI-driven workflows.
- Modernized tech stacks for sustainable AI capabilities.
AI Agents and Infrastructure
AI agents are reshaping infrastructure, services, software, and security. Their autonomy depends on trust, technology maturity, and policy frameworks. Successful adoption requires clear business objectives and human-AI collaboration models. IDC predicts explosive growth in China¡¯s AI agent market, with standardized protocols driving technology integration and industry collaboration.
Cloud and Computing Platforms
China¡¯s cloud and computing platforms are undergoing a full-stack transformation, fueled by open-source strategies like DeepSeek¡¯s. Key trends include:
- Cloud platforms as AI innovation hubs.
- Heterogeneous computing for optimized training and inference.
- Open-source collaboration accelerating private deployments in finance and government.
Industrial AI Market
China¡¯s industrial AI spending is projected to reach 900 billion RMB by 2028, with a 37.7% CAGR. Large language models (LLMs) and multimodal models are driving innovation in design and management, while small models remain relevant for specific scenarios. AI agents and industrial software will synergize, with edge computing expanding AI capabilities. Challenges include fragmented scenarios and user readiness, but success stories are fostering rational growth.
[](https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prAP50688623)Smart Device Globalization
Smart device manufacturers face challenges in globalization, including regulatory differences, cultural barriers, and supply chain complexities. Strategies include targeted market selection, localized design, multi-channel sales, and ecosystem partnerships. Emerging opportunities in the metaverse and IoT, alongside sustainability, will shape future growth.
China¡¯s ICT Market Context
China¡¯s ICT spending is projected to exceed USD 2 trillion over the next four years, driven by AI, cloud, and industrial software demand. Despite U.S. tariffs, domestic strategies like subsidies (e.g., 15% for electronics) and tech self-reliance (e.g., Huawei¡¯s Ascend chips) sustain growth. IDC forecasts 9.1% ICT spending growth with 20% tariffs, dropping to 5.7% with 50% tariffs, but optimism persists with potential tariff rollbacks.
[](https://blogs.idc.com/2025/04/18/trade-wars-to-tech-wars-can-chinas-stimulus-offset-u-s-tariffs-in-ict-markets/)Conclusion
The IDC Directions 2025 Shenzhen forum highlighted AI¡¯s transformative impact on China¡¯s ICT market, from industrial applications to global device strategies. With insights into AI maturity, cloud innovation, and market trends, IDC empowers enterprises to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the AI-driven era. The next event in Beijing on June 17, 2025, will offer further discussions and one-on-one analyst sessions.
