Why Resource Efficiency Beats Pure Tech in the Next Internet Wave

Rethinking Growth Through Resource Efficiency

After listening to Ray Kurzweil, the author recommends the book The Resource Revolution as a fresh lens for evaluating Meituan’s development and broader internet‑driven change.

Cinema as a Micro‑Example

China’s cinema count grew from 4,600 in 2013 to 5,600 in 2014 (+22%), while box‑office revenue rose from 21.8 billion to 29.6 billion yuan (+36%). Despite this growth, average seat occupancy hovers around 15%, indicating massive under‑utilization of a fixed‑cost asset.

Automotive Utilization Gap

Data from the United States shows a typical car spends 95% of its time parked; only 5% is driving, of which merely 2.5% is at normal speed, 0.8% searching for parking, and 0.5% stuck in traffic. AI‑driven traffic coordination, real‑time parking guidance, and shared‑use models could reclaim a large portion of this idle time, cutting congestion and emissions regardless of fuel type.

Internet’s Deep‑Level Impact Is Organizational, Not Just Technical

The internet can fundamentally reshape every industry, but the most profound changes often arise from new business and organizational models rather than low‑level technology upgrades. Coordinated traffic control, shared‑economy platforms, and “moving bits assisting moving atoms” illustrate how information can amplify the efficiency of physical resources.

Meituan’s Role: Bits Assisting Atoms

Meituan does not replace physical assets with digital ones; it uses digital information to make existing assets—cinemas, restaurants, delivery logistics—more efficiently accessible. By aggregating demand, offering price discounts, and enabling on‑demand delivery, Meituan reduces the need for users to travel, thereby improving overall resource utilization.

In summary, the greatest value lies in optimizing how we use existing physical resources through smarter internet‑enabled coordination, rather than focusing solely on replacing hardware or fuel sources.