Digital Society: Technical Infrastructure, Operating Logic and Modernization of Governance

doi:10.11871/jfdc.issn.2096-742X.2025.05.014

Abstract

Abstract:

[Objective] This study examines the role of digital social infrastructure in today’s challenging context. Global economic slowdown and fierce technological competition make this infrastructure vital. It not only helps hedge China’s economic risks but also drives new productive forces and shapes the future order of cyberspace. As a result, innovative governance for the digital society has become essential. [Methods] Against the backdrop of digital transformation, we propose new governance models along three dimensions: identity, value, and governance targets. [Results] We show that the future digital society will be defined by three key shifts. First, network identifiers will replace traditional citizen actors. Second, distributed anonymous communication will take the place of physical transactions. Third, algorithms, protocols, and code will stand in for contracts, ethics, and laws. These changes will make social governance both measurable and simulatable. [Conclusions] Building on these insights, we introduce three innovative governance models: digital identity governance, distributed-ledger value management, and outcome-oriented value governance. Together, they provide theoretical foundations and new directions for future research.

Key words: digital transformation, digital infrastructure, digital society, innovative governance

HAN Haiting,SUN Qian. Digital Society: Technical Infrastructure, Operating Logic and Modernization of Governance[J]. Frontiers of Data and Computing, 2025, 7(5): 173-183, https://cstr.cn/32002.14.jfdc.CN10-1649/TP.2025.05.014.

Figures/Tables 4

References 32

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