Digital tech powers Shenzhen growth

Shortening processing times is major upside for residents, but the essential structure underlying the system is a completely automatic examination and approval mechanism of various processes without involving any human intervention, said an official at Shenzhen's government service data administration bureau.

He said the successful operation of the mechanism depends on institutional reforms, meaning condensing processes and reorganizing government departments through advanced technology－like big data－is the best way to deliver such results.

The system was first adopted in 2018 and quickly included an increasing array of services, and it is expected to be promoted nationwide soon.

According to government statistics, about 95 percent of the city's administrative licensing applications are conducted online, ranking Shenzhen the top among major Chinese cities.

As the 5G network covers all areas of the city, the government has set up 12 pilot projects of 5G e-government services including medical services, transportation, education, urban management, tourism and the internet of things.

The internet-based operating may seem to lack a human touch, but Shenzhen's unique model of government service also helps connect people.

In Nanshan district, a hub of many technology giants, such as Tencent and drone maker DJI, have set up small but fully functional offices in residential communities so that individual requirements can be met within short walking distances.

As for enterprises, in-house staff are assigned to large-sized companies and one-stop services are provided to startups in lobbies of shared office buildings.

The district government will present gift packages called "entrepreneur boxes" for new startups as a show of appreciation.

Meanwhile, the government will also update the information of tax administration, banks, social security, and other related systems, once registration is completed.