In recent years,the development of the low-altitude economy has gained significant traction in various regions across China,spurred by national policies and a burgeoning market size.Cities like Shanghai,Guangdong,and Zhejiang have made proactive advancements,positioning themselves as leaders in this emerging economic sector.Shanghai envisions the establishment of a national comprehensive demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy,aiming to create a "Sky City" with global influence.Guangdong is focused on nurturing a competitively advantageous low-altitude industrial cluster with a global standing,while Zhejiang has set ambitious goals for 2035,intending to be recognized as a stronghold of civil aviation and low-altitude economic expansion.

The low-altitude economy holds vast potential for industrial growth,significantly impacting urban development and regional economic evolution.Since the concept of low-altitude economy was first introduced,different regions have begun to explore pathways tailored to their unique characteristics.This has fostered a ‘localized,diversified’ approach to developing low-altitude economic activities,yielding positive results.Each area is expected to pinpoint its priority development directions based on local realities and resource endowments.

Key principles govern the development of the low-altitude economy.Firstly,foundational infrastructure must precede growth.The adage "to get rich,first build the roads" holds true for the low-altitude economy as well.One crucial question looms: how can the low-altitude economy play a comprehensive role in boosting economic benefits?The initial step is crafting a new infrastructure compatible with low-altitude flight,which includes hastening the construction of relevant facilities and launching commercial application demonstrations.Secondly,digital empowerment is essential.As the low-altitude economy flourishes,digitalization emerges as an indispensable force.The effective utilization of data has proven to be a solution for many low-altitude companies trying to navigate through challenges in research,production,and management.

The exploration of application models that embody local characteristics is critical as the low-altitude economy develops differently in various cities and sectors.For urban areas with a strong industrial foundation and robust economic strength,the trifecta of infrastructure development,aircraft manufacturing,and application advancement holds particular significance.In contrast,other regions may grapple with the practicalities of ensuring that "low-altitude economy+" applications can effectively materialize.

For instance,in regions rich in tourism resources,a "low-altitude + cultural tourism" model can significantly stimulate innovation and upgrades in the cultural tourism industry.In remote areas where traditional logistics face considerable pressure,the model of "low-altitude + transportation" through drone logistics presents an encouraging market outlook.For agriculturally advanced regions,the “low-altitude + plant protection” model utilizing agricultural drones addresses traditional issues of high costs and ineffective yield maximization during planting and harvesting processes,paving the way for smarter agricultural practices.Additionally,the demand for low-altitude applications in public services is gradually increasing.Some areas are offering drone services for traffic management,emergency response,and firefighting,among other sectors,meeting a variety of public needs.

Creating a regional collaborative development ecosystem is also paramount.The inherent geographical constraints of low-altitude flight lead to its distinctly regional economic characteristics.Looking forward,the low-altitude economy has the potential to pull a greater number of cities into the economic orbit of core urban centers.To achieve this,collaboration among regions is vital; establishing general airports and vertical take-off and landing sites will enable low-altitude interconnectivity,linking manufacturing,operations,and services seamlessly.For instance,a helicopter shuttle route has been launched between Wujiang in Suzhou and Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai,radically reducing travel time while catering to more personalized travel needs of passengers.Furthermore,it is crucial to emphasize the comprehensive integration of the low-altitude economy with regional socio-economic development,ensuring that its impact resonates across various sectors of societal growth,thereby maximally leveraging its uplifting influence across multiple industries.

As an essential domain for cultivating new productive forces and representing an emerging track for economic activity,the low-altitude economy not only reshapes people's lifestyles and production methods but also forges a fresh engine for economic growth.Moving forward,it's imperative to optimize the policy support system enhancing the top-level design of low-altitude economic development across regions.A favorable eco-system for the industry's growth must be cultivated,with careful planning,scenario alignment,and safety assurances,harnessing the new opportunities hidden within this low-altitude blue ocean.