China
(DigWatch) On 8 September 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) together with five other ministries issued a national policy guideline aimed at revitalising China’s historic industries. The guideline, described as the country’s first dedicated framework for traditional sectors, outlines a two‑stage plan extending to 2030. By the end of 2028 the policy targets the development of 50 leading companies each reaching annual sales of 10 billion yuan, the creation of one hundred nationally recognised Chinese consumer brands, and the formation of several industry clusters valued at 100 billion yuan each. By 2030 the aim is to cultivate a group of world‑class enterprises and renowned brands that move historic industries up the middle and upper reaches of global value chains. – China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issues guideline to revitalise historic industries with AI | Digital Watch Observatory
(DigWatch) China’s National Copyright Administration has published a copyright development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, covering 2026 to 2030. The plan was released online on 7 September 2026 and sets out measures on the legal framework, enforcement, and the use of emerging technologies. It sets a target of 9.5 million works registered annually by 2030, up from 7.49 million in 2025, and states that the registration process will be standardised to make it more efficient. The plan identifies copyright regulation in relation to big data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence as an area requiring updating, and includes the development of a fair-use system for AI training data, which it describes as balancing innovation with the protection of creators’ rights. It also addresses protections for online literature, gaming, audiovisual content, and foundational and industrial software. – Copyright plan for 2026-2030 sets out China’s AI training rules
Emerging Markets – Digital Payment Services
(DigWatch) The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seeking to ease financial constraints that have limited banks and fintechs in emerging markets from expanding digital payment services. To address this constraint, the World Bank Group institution has launched a new guarantee programme that will help local providers manage the risks associated with participating in international payment networks. The programme will start with up to $700 million in guarantees, with IFC taking on part of the settlement risk associated with digital payments. By reducing the financial exposure faced by participating institutions, the initiative is intended to enable more providers to expand payment services for consumers and smaller businesses. – World Bank Group backs wider digital payment access in emerging markets | Digital Watch Observatory
Finland – Google
(DigWatch) Google announced on 9 September 2026 that it will invest at least €13 billion in digital infrastructure in Finland over 2027–2028, describing the commitment as its largest single investment in Europe. The plan includes new data centre construction and supporting infrastructure in the municipalities of Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala, and builds on more than 15 years of presence in the country, notably the conversion of a former paper mill in Hamina into a modern data centre that uses seawater cooling and supplies about 80 % of the local district heating network’s annual heat needs. – Google invests €13bn in Finland digital infrastructure | Digital Watch Observatory
