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AbstractCapitalizing on the swift evolution of big data and information technology, conventional water‐saving endeavours have been revamped into 'smart water‐saving'. This paradigm shift leverages cutting‐edge technologies like neural networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced sensor systems. These components seamlessly integrate with network infrastructure, mobile systems and sophisticated water‐saving information systems to forge comprehensive smart water‐saving management systems. These systems adeptly amass, process and dissect vast troves of water‐saving data, harmonizing with the requirements of water management authorities and consumers alike. This fusion of technology empowers us to furnish all‐encompassing information services, thereby elevating the standards of water resource management. In summary, the integration of state‐of‐the‐art technology into water‐saving initiatives represents a momentous leap forward in addressing critical water‐related challenges and realizing more efficient, sustainable water resource management practices.

Rock, Michael T.; Toman, Michael A. China's Technological Catch-up Strategy: Industrial Development, Energy Efficiency and CO2 Emissions, Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2015. 296 pp. £37.49 (cloth), ISBN 978-0-19-938532-4 . The book by Rock and Toman is themed on the extensively discussed and debated issue of China's transition towards a low-carbon economy. The issue is of tremendous significance and meaning to both China and the world, as the country has become the single largest emitter of greenhouse gases since 2007, accounting for 29% of the world's total CO2 emissions in 2013 (Olivier, Janssens-Maenhout, Muntean and Peters, 2014, p.13). The central argument of the book is that improved energy efficiency in Chinese industries is highly dependent on industrial policies and institutions that encourage enterprises to build technological capabilities. It is pointed out that enterprise investments in technological upgrading lead to successful technology transfer and the building of more robust technological capabilities.

The European Union's (EU) demand for clean energy has been boosting Chinese exports of green products, while the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations of imports of Chinese solar panels by the EU in 2012 had dampened Chinese exports. The two parties are committed to resolving their trade disagreements instead of applying protectionist measures. A July 2013 agreement was reached for Chinese PV exporters to take a price undertaking and be subject to an export quota.