Report on low-attitude economy unveiled

The "Annual Report on the Development of Low-Altitude Economy (2025)" was unveiled on Saturday, alongside the inauguration of the Low-Altitude Economy Research Center at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 

The term "low-altitude economy" refers to the emerging economic sector centered on activities, businesses, and services conducted in the airspace below 3,000 meters above the ground.

The report outlines China's development stage, industrial layout, and support systems for the low-altitude economy, identifying Beijing as a leading city in unlocking potentials in the sector. 

According to the report, the low-altitude economy aligns closely with Beijing's industrial upgrading strategy. The city hosts top universities and research institutes specializing in drones and aerospace, and leverages its three major science hubs in Zhongguancun, Huairou and Changping to foster cutting-edge enterprises in sensors, propulsion systems, big data platforms, and human-computer interaction. These efforts have built a solid technological foundation and cultivated a pool of specialized talent for the industry.

Beijing's unique traits also provide fertile ground for developing the low-altitude economy. The Chinese capital faces numerous management challenges brought by dense population, traffic congestion, and complex environments, while low-altitude aircraft, equipped with high-definition cameras and sensor systems, can deliver real-time, accurate data to support traffic management, law enforcement, and environmental monitoring.

Meanwhile, the sector is emerging as a new growth driver in leisure and cultural tourism. With Beijing's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, new consumption scenarios such as aerial sightseeing, air sports, and livestreaming are flourishing, meeting demand for high-quality tourism experiences and boosting related industries.

Research shows that China's low-altitude economy is growing rapidly, with an annual market growth rate exceeding 30%. The report proposes an innovative model integrating technological breakthroughs, scenario-driven feedback, and ecosystem collaboration, while strengthening the fundamental support of talent, capital, data, and infrastructure.

It also recommends differentiated regional strategies to advance coordinated development across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.