A number of important decisions were made at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China. One of these was the launch of the Digital Economy Cooperation Platform between China and the SCO. China’s National Development and Reform Commission and National Data Administration announced that they will continue to strengthen multi-dimensional and multi-level cooperation in the digital economy among cities, enterprises, universities, and think tanks from SCO countries.[1]
This cooperation, which prioritizes regional integration in the digital economy, will strengthen not only technological harmonization among SCO countries but also strong digital solidarity in terms of capital and investments. This comprehensive and strategic cooperation encompasses three key pillars that pave the way for interaction and integration between countries: “strengthening digital infrastructure”, “harmonizing digital rules and standards”, and “developing digital capabilities in partner countries.”[2]
In terms of infrastructure, China will focus on investments in areas such as the internet, 5G, and data centers in SCO countries, contributing to both the development of these countries and fostering greater harmonization within the organization. The rules will enable the development of common standards and offer alternatives to norms developed by Western countries such as the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). Human resources within countries, which constitute digital talent, will be developed through scholarship programs, training offered by technology companies, or joint research centers, increasing employment in SCO countries.
The digital development goals targeted by economic cooperation have strengthened regional solidarity in many areas and fostered the development of shared values. The foundations for this economic cooperation were laid much earlier.[3] In 2024, the Astana Declaration was adopted at the 24th Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, and 25 strategic documents covering energy, security, trade, finance, and information security were approved[4].
The forum on digital economy and cooperation, held in Tianjin on July 12, 2025, brought together more than 1,500 guests from governments, enterprises, universities, and think tanks of SCO member states. Participants exchanged views on various topics, including industrial development supported by digital integration, the development of digital capabilities, data management, and digital infrastructure construction[5].
The technological ideas finalized between 2017 and 2019 formed a vision for 2019 and 2020. These goals, gradually institutionalized between 2022 and 2024, paved the way for the transition to today’s practical implementation. Ultimately, economic cooperation has progressed through multilayered stages within specific processes, thus taking its current form with a holistic framework encompassing infrastructure, standards, and human resources.
The digital economy platform established in Tianjin has been an institutional success for these processes. Digital collaboration initiatives, previously conducted on a more limited scale through various channels, can now be coordinated through a single platform. Furthermore, this platform has created a sustainable collaboration mechanism by involving various actors in SCO countries, such as cities, businesses, universities, and think tanks.
Furthermore, this cooperation, which offers a broad perspective in infrastructure, standards, and human resources, inherently embraces long-term objectives due to its ongoing nature and its inclusion in the educational process. Indeed, this platform, established over many years, serves as a concrete example of the transition from theory to practice. Specifically, establishing common standards will both accelerate infrastructure investments and contribute to the development and facilitation of dialogue among SCO countries.
Ultimately, the “SCO Digital Economy Platform” in Tianjin stands out as the culmination of years of dialogue, agreements, and gradual steps taken toward institutionalization. Short-term projects developed in various areas have been addressed within a more holistic framework and transformed in a sustainable manner. In the future, the national interests of SCO countries will be balanced with common goals and harmoniously, enabling faster progress in investment projects in particular. Furthermore, the attention and progressive goals devoted to the digital sphere will enable the SCO to develop distinct identities in diverse areas, such as the digital economy and governance, beyond its economic aspects, as a key player in the digital order on a global scale.
[1] “China-SCO digital economy cooperation platform launched in Tianjin: report”, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202509/1342391.shtml, (Date Accession: 02.09.2025).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Statement of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Strengthening Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation”, The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation https://eng.sectsco.org/20210917/782613.html, (Date Accession: 03.09.2025).
[4] “SCO Summit Adopts Astana Declaration, Reaches Strategic Agreements”, The Astana Times, https://astanatimes.com/2024/07/sco-summit-adopts-astana-declaration-reaches-strategic-agreements/, (Date Accession: 03.09.2025).
[5] “SCO digital economy forum highlights new cooperation horizons”, People’s Daily Online, https://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0712/c90000-20339377.html, (Date Accession: 03.09.2025).
