New generation artificial intelligence
AI technologies with capabilities like deep learning and autonomous reasoning.
How the laws define this
Official regulatory frameworks consistently locate the core of new generation artificial intelligence in advanced systems, models, and algorithms driven by deep learning, enhanced perception, and collaborative capabilities. Where these sources diverge is in how they deploy the concept to establish regulatory scope. The Notice of the State Council on Issuing the Development Plan for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence (New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan) adopts a broad policy definition—covering deep learning, swarm intelligence, and autonomous decision-making—to frame foundational research, application systems, and infrastructure. In contrast, Promoting the Development of the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Industry: Three-Year Action Plan (2018–2020) focuses specifically on deep learning and neural-network models to delimit priority product lines and technologies for industrial support. Finally, the Governance Principles for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence (Developing Responsible Artificial Intelligence) treats the term as a non-technical working concept to set governance expectations based on human-machine collaboration and collective intelligence.
Synthesised from the 3 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Notice of the State Council on Issuing the Development Plan for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence | In Force | Adds cross-media perception, hybrid human-machine intelligence, swarm intelligence, and autonomous decision-making to the core capabilities, while framing research, technologies, applications, and infrastructure. |
| China | Governance Principles for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence: Develop Responsible Artificial Intelligence | Adopted | Characterizes it as advanced systems with cross-domain integration, human-machine collaboration, and collective intelligence, using it to scope non-binding governance expectations. |
| China | Promoting the Development of the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Industry: Three‑Year Action Plan (2018–2020) | Superseded | Limits it to algorithms, models, and systems emphasizing deep learning and neural-network approaches for enhanced perception and cognition, delimiting industrial priorities. |
What it triggers
- In the Notice of the State Council on Issuing the Development Plan for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence, it sets out foundational research, common key technologies, application systems, and infrastructure.source
- In Governance Principles for the New Generation of Artificial Intelligence: Develop Responsible Artificial Intelligence, it sets out eight high-level governance principles including harmony, fairness, and inclusion.source
- In Promoting the Development of the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Industry: Three-Year Action Plan (2018–2020), it sets operational targets and implementation measures for industrialization until it was superseded.source
Definitions (3)
A policy definition covering AI technologies and systems exhibiting capabilities such as deep learning, cross‑media perception and reasoning, hybrid human‑machine intelligence, swarm intelligence and autonomous decision‑making; used to frame foundational research, common key technologies, application systems and infrastructure in the Plan.
Refers to algorithms, models and systems that emphasize deep learning and neural‑network approaches and that provide enhanced perception and cognitive capabilities; used in the Plan to delimit priority technologies and product lines for industrial support.
A working concept in the Principles referring to advanced AI systems characterized by cross‑domain integration, human‑machine collaboration, and collective intelligence; used to scope governance expectations rather than a technical taxonomy.
Not to be confused with
General AI (IAG) refers to AI with capabilities comparable to human tasks, while this term covers a broader range of specific advanced capabilities like deep learning and swarm intelligence.
Questions and answers
What does China's New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan cover?
The Plan uses the term to frame foundational research, common key technologies, application systems, and infrastructure. It establishes China's top-level AI framework guiding public and private sectors.
What governance expectations apply to new generation AI in China?
The Governance Principles set out eight high-level principles such as harmony, fairness, and inclusion for advanced AI systems. They scope expectations rather than providing a technical taxonomy.
What did the Three-Year Action Plan for new generation AI require?
The plan set operational targets and measures to accelerate industrialization and large-scale deployment of priority technologies and products. It was superseded after 2020.
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