An effective technology transfer mechanism is equally important. A demand-driven, full-chain innovation model should be established by building testing bases and demonstration zones that integrate new technologies into real-world scenarios. Data-driven feedback loops can shorten commercialization cycles and refine business models. Universities and enterprises can cooperate to tailor research to regional application needs and accelerate scalable and sustainable development.
The low-altitude economy urgently requires composite, innovative and highly skilled professionals. Addressing current gaps in aerospace engineering, intelligent control and airspace management will require closer integration between industry and education, updated curricula and diversified training mechanisms.
Improving innovation efficiency also depends on a coordinated ecosystem. It is necessary to prepare traditional facilities such as vertiports and energy supply stations, as well as a network of communication, navigation and monitoring. The integration of technologies including public mobile communication, aviation-specific air-to-ground communication, satellite communication and BeiDou Navigation Satellite System can provide essential support for high-density and large-scale low-altitude operations.
The development of the low-altitude economy should follow a top-down approach. Government use of low-altitude aviation in emergency response, medical rescue, firefighting, environmental monitoring and public security can enhance public service capacity. Enterprises should deepen applications in express delivery and instant logistics, while exploring intercity and cross-border passenger and cargo routes and multimodal connections at major transport hubs. Consumers' participation in door-to-door services should be encouraged to help embed the low-altitude economy into daily life.
A sound regulatory and standards framework is indispensable. The interim regulations for unmanned aircraft flight management should be refined and implemented, alongside comprehensive standards covering integrated operations of manned and unmanned aircraft, infrastructure connectivity and data security. Building a coordinated, internationally aligned standards system that spans the entire industrial chain and life cycle will provide institutional guarantees for the safe, orderly and sustainable development of China's low-altitude economy.
The author Wang Lifeng is a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and a professor of the School of Astronautics at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
