Like the rise of any industry, the revolution of Internet of things (IoT) is subject to certain rules. Demand triggers transformation. In return, big changes will generate new demand. The interaction finally leads to revolutions of industries.

China enjoys two advantages in terms of IoT revolution. First, China is the biggest manufacturing economy in the world, and its manufacturing has the strongest demand for IoT. China is the largest potential market for the application of IoT and also the most possible experimental field. Second, IoT requires persistent investment in research and development. A single commercial institution can't afford such costs. IoT can't make significant breakthroughs without the involvement of government.

The city of Wuxi in east China's Jiangsu Province has been exploring IoT and it has accumulated rich experience. Under the local government's guidance, the strong market demand and commercial motives become a driving force to shape local industries. In the past seven years, Wuxi has witnessed the rise of a super industrial cluster composed of more than 2,000 IoT companies. The industrial cluster makes it possible for these companies to distribute labor and resources rationally, as well as reach cooperation, such as joint research and development, at lower cost.

Wuxi is on the way to become a center of global IoT. In mid-September, Wuxi is scheduled to host the World Internet of Things Exposition. The city will share its experience with world elites of IoT industry at the exposition.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article published in South Review on September 12)