Experts Gather to Discuss AI+ and Employment Trends

On April 24, the 2026 Spring Forum of the New Beijing Think Tank opened with a special forum on “AI+ in Progress” held at Communication University of China.

The forum focused on the transition of artificial intelligence from technological competition to in-depth scene cultivation, engaging in discussions on topics such as large model implementation, intelligent agent development, AI safety, and talent cultivation.

Insights on AI Industry Transformation

Zhang Zhengjiang, a member of the Party Committee and Vice President of the New Beijing News, emphasized the media’s active exploration in the integration of AI and journalism. The New Beijing News has been advancing in intelligent editing, specialized large models, and data visualization, creating impactful AI-integrated reporting products through its AI Research Institute.

Prominent figures such as Wang Zhongmin, former Vice Chairman of the National Social Security Fund Council, Liu Quan, Deputy Chief Engineer of the China Electronics Industry Development Research Institute, and He Bo, Director of the Internet Law Research Center of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, shared their insights on the underlying logic of AI services, global industry development trends, and the legal framework for AI.

Wang Zhongmin used the metaphor of “Qimen Dunjia” to analyze the inherent logic and transformation paths of AI in the service industry. He stated that tasks traditionally performed by humans can now be completed by AI, changing the role of task executors. He urged for sufficient growth space for AI services and emphasized that workers should adapt by becoming “AI era laborers” and transforming personal assets into operational assets through AI technology.

Liu Quan predicted a more extreme version of the 80/20 rule in job distribution due to AI, suggesting that the top 1% to 5% of jobs may dominate. He stressed the need for humans to develop innovative thinking and the ability to ask questions, as the future will require defining and discovering problems rather than just solving them.

He Bo discussed the characteristics of AI legislation in China, highlighting the combination of general laws and specific regulations. He noted the recent revision of the Cybersecurity Law, which established comprehensive regulations for AI safety and development, providing a legal basis for promoting healthy AI growth.

Roundtable Discussion on AI Challenges and Future

During the roundtable discussion, industry experts explored pressing AI topics such as deepfake technology, AI’s impact on employment, and AI safety. Liu Xiaochun, an associate professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, addressed the legal implications of AI-generated content, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal dignity.

Liu Wenmao, Chief Innovation Officer at Green Alliance Technology, highlighted the increasing use of AI in automated attacks, stressing the need for AI-driven defense mechanisms to counteract these threats. He warned that AI could also be misused in international conflicts.

Zhou Shangjinhang, leader of the AI Geek Group at the China Information Association, shared his vision of silicon-based intelligent organizations, where each agent possesses unique skills and capabilities, potentially reshaping the relationship between humans and technology.

Cheng Haonan, a researcher at the Communication University of China, noted that AI has democratized technology, enhancing the AI application abilities of humanities and arts students while highlighting the need for STEM students to improve their humanistic qualities.

Release of the 2026 Spring AI Application Competitiveness Report

The event also featured the release of the “2026 Spring AI Application Competitiveness Report,” co-produced by the New Beijing News AI Research Institute and Xsignal. The report analyzed the current domestic AI market, detailing user engagement and competitive dynamics among major companies and startups.

The report found that the domestic AI application market is rapidly stratifying, with leading products amplifying their advantages while mid-tier products struggle to survive without differentiation. In summary, products lacking ecological advantages and distinct branding are at risk of being eliminated in the ongoing competition.

The Spring Forum was co-hosted by the New Beijing News and Communication University of China, with support from various organizations including the New Beijing Think Tank and the School of Advertising and Branding at Communication University of China.