The next-generation network technology is an intelligent information technology with the characteristics of collaborative perception, ubiquitous communication, and computer assistance. It is highly related to the industrial upgrading of network infrastructure, services, operation, maintenance, and ecology, and has become the core factor to the development of network construction and digital economy. With the accelerated evolution of emerging information technologies, the underlying paradigm and security architecture of networks tend to be reshaped, and the focus of global competition has shifted from scale expansion to structural competition dominated by standards, algorithms, and engineering capabilities. This study reviews the development trends of the global information industry, and reveals that the network industry has entered a stage of multi-dimensional differentiation; the Internet of Things industry has entered the era of Intelligence 2.0; and the satellite communication industry has entered a stage of systematic competition among constellations. This study also identifies the development status and key challenges of China's information industry, and presents the main ideas for development and upgrading accordingly. To ensure the application and industrialized development of the next-generation network technology in China, the following policy recommendations are proposed: (1) coordinating the layout of technological research and development while supporting the implementation of major special projects; (2) developing large-scale industrial clusters by providing taxation policy support; (3) establishing public service platforms to strengthen the capacities for standards setting and security assurance; and (4) promoting international exchanges by pragmatically carrying out international cooperation.