Policy guidance and market forces have worked in tandem to encourage regions across China to develop distinctive models of scenario opening-up based on their own resources and industrial foundations, helping to bridge innovation and real-world application.

In Nanjing City of east China's Jiangsu Province, the municipal water company has introduced a domestically developed industrial software. By opening up application scenarios in the water sector, Nanjing is gradually turning its past reliance on overseas equipment and standards into opportunities for homegrown solutions.

"Much of the equipment used in China's water sector used to come from foreign brands, and many of our standards, including those for supplier bidding, had to follow their standards. By opening up scenarios, and with rapid iteration, we are better poised to establish our own standards and reshape the ecosystem for our technology products," said Chai Chunyan from the Nanjing Water Industry Research Institute.

The benefits of scenario opening-up are also evident in addressing specialized needs. In August, Nanjing launched its first water-shore integrated low-altitude application scenario. On the Nanjing section of the Yangtze River, ships no longer need to dock for resupply. Drones can deliver fresh produce, fast food, and other supplies, using AR positioning to accurately identify deck drop-off points and safely lower "waterborne takeout" onto vessels.

To further explore new scenarios of the low-altitude economy, Nanjing has rolled out a three-year action plan to expand integrated applications combining low-altitude intelligent networks along the Yangtze River with drone inspections and IoT technologies, supporting commercial applications such as low-altitude express delivery, sightseeing, and aerial sports.

"Government policies and enterprises reinforce each other with these new scenarios. The government provides platforms that attract more enterprises, while companies can use these platforms to test, refine, and develop their ideas, products, and business models, and ultimately bring them to market," said Wu Gang, Deputy Director of Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology.

Across China, regions are exploring new opportunities by developing application scenarios tailored to local conditions.

The coastal provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, as well as Dalian City are focusing on marine economy scenarios in deep- and far-sea aquaculture, offshore wind power, and marine engineering equipment, seeking high-end, green, and smart transformation.

Regional centers like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hefei highlight urban governance, covering scenarios in smart transportation and digital government services, accelerating the integration of digital technologies with urban development.

In public services, Beijing, Chengdu, and Wuhan are opening up scenarios in areas such as smart healthcare and elderly care.

"During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we made a strong start. In cultivating new industries and business models and advancing the digital economy, we took the lead in opening up and nurturing application scenarios. Many regions have conducted valuable explorations and accumulated solid experience," said Wu Wensheng, Chairman of the Great Wall Strategy Consultants.

According to institutional forecasts, 2026 is expected to mark a key year for scenario cultivation and opening-up. With national strategies being implemented, scenario-driven innovation is set to move from isolated breakthroughs toward ecosystem-based development, injecting stronger momentum into future industries, upgrading of traditional sectors, and urban governance.