General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of science and technology in advancing a uniquely Chinese form of modernization, asserting that technological innovation is an essential pathway. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party laid out plans to establish a comprehensive innovation support system, and to implement strategies focused on education and talent development, while driving innovation-led growth. With a goal of becoming a global technology powerhouse by 2035, China is deepening reforms in its science and technology system to enhance the overall efficiency of its national innovation framework, propelling its modernization efforts.
During this fruitful autumn season, the vast farmlands of Beidahuang are witnessing a bountiful harvest. Researchers are measuring yields to assess the results of efforts to protect the black soil of the Sanjiang Plain. Over three years, 28 research institutions collaborated intensively, employing a range of biotechnologies and smart devices, achieving yield increases of over 20% in some cases. These technological advancements are crucial for meeting significant goals, such as boosting grain production to exceed one trillion jin.
Liu Huanjun, the chief scientist for the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ “Black Soil Granary” project in the Sanjiang demonstration area, explained, “We employ a comprehensive monitoring technology that captures detailed imagery of each plot in a watershed, reaching down to the level of individual rice grains, much like understanding our own fingerprints. This allows for a holistic improvement in soil quality.”
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, the leadership, centered around Xi Jinping, has been advancing a strategy driven by innovation. By prioritizing self-reliance in science and technology, the party is modernizing governance systems and capabilities. The recent Third Plenary Session further outlined strategies to deepen reforms in the science and technology sector, enhance institutional mechanisms for major innovations, and more effectively coordinate key technology advancements. This aims to elevate the overall effectiveness of the national innovation system.
Jie Min, Director of the Policy and Regulation Department at the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated, “We will thoroughly implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session by establishing a new type of governance framework, strengthening strategic technology forces, and deeply integrating technological and industrial innovations. Our objective is to accelerate the conversion of scientific achievements and boost the supply of new productive forces, transforming innovation into development.”
Recognizing that people are essential to innovation, the Third Plenary Session advocated for a comprehensive reform of the education, science, and talent development mechanisms to foster a positive cycle among education, technology, and talent. China has introduced several policies to swiftly build a strategic talent base, encouraging young scientists to take leading roles in major technological initiatives. Additionally, support for young researchers through natural science funding aims to maintain their share of project support at over 45%.
With the goal firmly in sight, the Ministry of Science and Technology is restructuring national key laboratories and optimizing the roles and layouts of national research institutions, top-tier universities, and leading technology enterprises.
Aligning with these objectives, efforts to tackle core technology challenges are underway. By focusing on the “four fronts,” China is innovating its approach to managing major scientific projects. Recently, various regions announced industrial policies designed to advance critical sectors like integrated circuits, advanced machinery, medical equipment, and materials science. Not long ago, Chinese scientists unveiled the world’s first carbon nanotube tensor processor chip, a pioneering technology that significantly reduces power consumption to one-third that of current silicon-based chips. To strengthen the system for tackling technological challenges, Beijing’s Science and Technology Commission is planning to establish a national-level innovation platform and a comprehensive support system for industrial incubation, aiding the country in gaining a competitive edge in chip technology.
In Shanghai, an action plan has just been released to enhance the transfer and transformation of scientific achievements, setting a goal to exceed 800 billion yuan in technology contracts by 2027. Simultaneously, Shenzhen is rolling out measures to grant researchers ownership or long-term usage rights of their work, fostering a complete regulatory framework. Recently, Professor Li Heyan and his team at Shenzhen Technology University registered two research outcomes and are collaborating closely with a major automotive company on automated parking technologies.
Li Heyan remarked, “Thanks to supportive national policies, our team is pragmatically driving research and transformative applications, not just staying on paper with patents and theoretical outcomes. I feel quite confident about our path forward.”
Innovative China is vibrant and dynamic. By maintaining its unique character while understanding global trends, the nation is accelerating efforts to unleash innovation through reforms, deeply integrating technological and industrial innovations. This strategic approach is essential to transforming institutional strengths into competitive advantages in science and technology, providing a robust foundation for China’s distinctive modernization journey.
