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Since 1997, Chongqing’s urban development model has been closely linked to the implementation of the central government’s strategy. After a first stage based on heavy industry, the government has encouraged a transition toward ICT industry limited to manufacturing. However, ICTs are an important part of the environmental problems faced by China and the world. Confronted with a growing environmentalist pressure, the government has decided to organize the transition to an ICT industry with low environmental impact, and to make of Chongqing the laboratory of this new industrial strategy. This article presents the first steps of this transition policy by highlighting the drivers and barriers to change.