What happened
At the 2026 China International Big Data Industry Expo, the National Data Administration said it will explore token business models that fit the actual needs of industry, with Director Liu Liehong pointing to areas such as token value-added subscriptions and pay-for-performance models.
The expo also saw data policies covering data annotation and digital talent, including plans for a new batch of data annotation pilots in 32 cities across fields like industrial manufacturing, medical health and transportation.
By the afternoon of August 29, more than 20 industry exchange activities had been held at the expo, with special events such as a “data market” and “data night” helping connect data products with application scenarios.
Why it matters
Tokens are described as an important yardstick for the measurement, pricing, trading and settlement of AI services, so experimenting with token-based business models could shape how AI-related data services are commercialized.
Data annotation is presented as a way to label raw data for training AI, and the planned pilots in 32 cities aim to address bottlenecks in the data annotation industry across key sectors.
The push to build a connected undergraduate-to-doctoral training mechanism for data-element-related disciplines signals a broader effort to strengthen the talent base for China’s data economy.
Key facts
The National Data Administration will explore token business models adapted to industry reality.
Liu Liehong mentioned researching token value-added subscriptions and pay-for-performance business models around major national economy scenarios.
A new batch of data annotation pilots will be deployed in 32 cities, covering industrial manufacturing, medical health, transportation and more.
Over 20 industry exchange activities had been held at the 2026 expo by the afternoon of August 29.
What to watch next
Watch for further details on how token value-added subscription and pay-for-performance models will be applied in practical industry settings.
Watch for progress in the 32-city data annotation pilot program as it targets bottlenecks in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare and transportation.
Watch for cross-department coordination on establishing a complete talent training chain for data-element disciplines from undergraduate through doctoral levels.