A/HRC/45/14/Add.1 G. Automation, assistive and robotics technology 51. China considers digital technology and innovation for older persons as an effective key element of response to the challenges of its ageing population. 69 In recent years, it issued several policies to leverage technology to better support older persons. 70 In August 2015, the State Council issued a plan to promote big data technologies, especially for the purposes of storing and analysing data, calling for the accessing and sharing of government data to improve governance. In 2017, it adopted an Action Plan for Smart Ageing Industry Development (2017–2020). It also promotes technological advancement in areas such as rehabilitation robots and the industrialization of advanced technology in the field of older persons and disability services.71 52. Digital technology for ageing is also recognized as promoting industrial upgrading and boosting new drivers of economic development. 72 China pursues a public-private partnership model, encouraging market entities to engage in the provision of care services for older persons, improve the quality and capacity of such services and satisfy demand for diversified and multilayered care for older persons.73 Local governments, for instance, are also providing subsidies for artificial intelligence firms, such as in Shenzhen. 53. The Independent Expert visited Shenzhen in the southern province of Guangdong, which is known as an emerging global technological innovation hub, owing to the presence of the headquarters of many leading technology companies. It was designated in 2014 as one of the pilot zones for older persons’ services reform in China. The combined presence of technology companies and research in the city was a factor in the development of technology-based services for older persons. 74 The Independent Expert very much appreciates the opportunity provided to gain insights into activities and initiatives in the areas of robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other forms of automation. 54. Many of the private partners in the area of the older person care industry are investors or property developers rather than professional providers of older person care services.75 Involving market forces in the provision of public services gives rise to new challenges as the government turns from a provider into a supervisor and regulator. 76 Rather than using administrative measures in dealing with the market, there is a need to leverage market mechanisms and tools and to ensure a human rights-based approach, a role to which local governments may be less accustomed.77 55. In its guidelines on promoting the development of older person care services, and calling for action on promoting the “Internet Plus” model for older person care, China emphasizes the necessity to promote the application of a new generation of information technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, big data and intelligent hardware in the field of older person care services. 78 56. The guiding principle is connectivity for the purpose of optimization of support and care services. It is about linking personal and physiological or health data with data on behavioural patterns – from information on food specifications to sleep patterns – and with environmental data, such as air humidity and temperature. This should enable an all-round analysis and continuous monitoring, leading to tailored services, including more precise 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 12 Ibid., p. 27; see also Evolution of Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for Sustainable Development: The Experiences of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.19.II.F.4), regarding the State party’s frontier technology-related policies and policy objectives, p. 93. UNDP, China National Human Development Report Special Edition, p. 211. Government submission on the protection of rights and interests of older persons in China, p. 22. “Report on the 2019 International meeting on technology for ageing in East and North-East Asia”, 13–14 November 2019, Beijing, China, para. 9. UNDP, China National Human Development Report Special Edition, p. 211. Cf. for instance the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen Academy. UNDP, China National Human Development Report Special Edition, p. 211. Ibid., pp. 241–242. Ibid. Government submission on the protection of rights and interests of older persons in China, p. 22.