As the Large Model and AI search become widely used, the way users obtain information is undergoing fundamental changes. In the past, brands mainly competed for rankings and clicks on search results pages; now, brands need to enter the realm of AI-generated answers and become credible sources of information that are cited, recommended, and trusted. Under this change,GEO(Generative Engine Optimization) is becoming a new track for brand growth. GEO is a information processing mechanism based on generative artificial intelligence by professional service institutions. While adhering to laws and regulations, platform rules, and ethical requirements, it combines content governance, technical adaptation, credible source development, and multi-channel collaborative dissemination to structure, verify, and optimize relevant information, thereby enhancing its recognizability, understandability, callable nature, verifiability, and recommendation adaptability within generative AI engines.
Currently, while the GEO field is developing rapidly, it faces significant challenges such as increasing information pollution risks, uneven service capabilities, inconsistent performance evaluation systems, and competition that restricts the space for compliant entities. There is an urgent need for industry standards and self-regulation. To implement the national overall plan for digital economy and artificial intelligence development, the China Advertising Association officially launched the standardization work in the GEO field in March 2026. It has established industry self-regulation standards and operational guidelines regarding technical capabilities, technical operation norms, service process criteria, compliance management requirements, and performance evaluation systems. The goal is to prevent industry chaos at the source and promote a healthy development pattern where good products dominate bad ones.
Given these circumstances, Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting firm, officially started the preparation of the "2026 China GEO Industry Development White Paper" under the guidance of the China Advertising Association. This white paper follows the standardization system of the GEO field established by the China Advertising Association and aims to create a systematic understanding framework for the Chinese GEO industry. It provides authoritative references for enterprises to understand the value logic of GEO, grasp application directions, assess the competitive landscape, and learn from industry practices. We sincerely invite GEO service providers, AI search and content intelligent platforms, brand owners, technology service providers, and ecosystem partners to actively participate, collectively review industry practices, analyze trends, reach industry consensus, and jointly build a compliant, transparent, credible, and sustainable GEO industry development ecosystem to support the construction of Digital China.
Content of the Report
This white paper will be based on industrial research perspectives and multi-source case studies, and will align with the overall deployment of the standardization system in the GEO field by the China Advertising Association. It will construct a systematic understanding framework for the Chinese GEO industry. Focusing on the development logic, application practices, and standardization directions of GEO services, this white paper provides references for enterprises to understand GEO values, seize market opportunities, participate in industry standardization efforts, and make strategic decisions.
Core Research Content:
-
Industry Definition and Development Background
Clarify the research boundaries and core characteristics of GEO, analyze the formation logic of brand visibility needs after the rise of AI search, and assess the development potential and standardization paths of the industry.
2. Industrial Chain Structure and Commercialization Paths
Break down the main service components of GEO, analyze the value division, product forms, pricing models, and differences among service providers, and outline the industry compliance boundaries and behavioral guidelines.
3. Demand Changes and Application Scenarios
Analyze the changes in user search habits and the impact of AI answers on consumer decision-making, determine the foundation of GEO demand, and outline typical application scenarios and the path to building a performance evaluation system.
4. Future Trends and Competitive Analysis
Assess the development direction, competitive barriers, and key capabilities of the GEO industry, analyze the role of standardization in reshaping the industry landscape, and provide references for enterprises' medium- to long-term planning and compliant development.
5. Benchmark Enterprises and Product Cases
Select representative enterprises and product cases, analyze their service models, product capabilities, customer scenarios, and implementation results, and include them as "Credible Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Typical" cases. This systematically demonstrates the differentiated advantages, compliance practices, and market representativeness of enterprises in the GEO industry, enhancing their industry status and benchmark value.
Participation Value
The "2026 China GEO Industry Development White Paper" was compiled and released by Frost & Sullivan, under the guidance of the China Advertising Association. LeadLeo provided communication support. The white paper will be widely published on Frost & Sullivan China’s official website, the China Advertising Association’s official website,LeadLeo Research Institute, Windy, Tencent, Shenhua, Oriental Fortune and other financial terminals and professional channels. Participating enterprises will receive a certificate for being included in the "Credible Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Typical" cases of the white paper. This will systematically showcase their technical capabilities, service capabilities, customer cases, methodology accumulation, and ecological value in the GEO industry, helping outstanding enterprises enhance their industry recognition, professional endorsement, and capital attention in the new AI search space, and jointly promoting a healthy development pattern of "good products dominating bad ones" in the industry.
1. Enhance Industry Status and Brand Influence: Participate in white paper research and case co-creation, obtain authoritative third-party research endorsement under association guidance, and significantly improve the professional recognition, compliance image, and market trust of enterprises in the GEO sector.
2. Gain Industry Insights: Conduct joint discussions on brand needs, technical paths, platform rules, and commercialization trends, providing references for enterprise product iteration, market strategies, and investment communication.
3. Authoritative Case Exposure and Capital Access: Excellent cases will be included in the white paper’s benchmark cases, industry ecosystem map, and series of communication materials. Through the China Advertising Association’s official website, Frost & Sullivan China’s official website, LeadLeo Research Institute, Windy, Tencent, Shenhua, Oriental Fortune and other financial terminals, and over a hundred cooperative media, professional, multi-dimensional, and highly credible brand exposure will be achieved, precisely reaching the capital market and investment institutions.
4. High-End Industry Ecosystem Connection: Prioritize participation in research interviews and closed-door discussions, and engage in top-level industry events such as the 2026China International Advertising Festivalto deeply connect with brand owners, technology providers, content service providers, investment institutions, and industry experts, expand business cooperation, resource docking, and strategic partnerships, and jointly build a compliant, transparent, credible, and sustainable GEO industry development ecosystem.
Participation Process
1. Application Registration: Enterprises interested in participation should scan the code to fill out the application form, submit basic enterprise information, and obtain a preliminary framework of the white paper.
2. Participation in Research and Exchange: In subsequent research and exchange activities, submit relevant excellent cases, participate in discussions, and contribute to the writing of the white paper.
White Paper Release Plan
-
Targeted Solicitation: Open to GEO service providers, AI search and content intelligent platforms, brand owners, technology service providers, and ecosystem partners. Enterprises related to the GEO industry are welcome to participate.
-
Solicitation Period: June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026
-
White Paper Release Date: Expected in October 2026, officially released during the China International Advertising Festival
Collaboration
Please contact us
Long-press to recognize the QR code to participate in recruitment
