SCIO briefing on making China a country of innovators and supporting the fostering of a new development paradigm

Speakers:

Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology

Xu Jing, director-general of the Department of Strategy and Planning of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Xie Xin, director-general of the Department of Resource Allocation and Management of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Ye Yujiang, director-general of the Department of Basic Research of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Wu Yuanbin, director-general of the Department of Science and Technology for Social Development of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Chairperson:

Chen Wenjun, head of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

Feb. 26, 2021

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the State Council Information Office (SCIO) press conference. Innovation is the primary driving force behind high-quality development and the strategic underpinning for the fostering of a new development paradigm. Today, we have invited Mr. Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology, to brief you on issues around making China a country of innovators and supporting the fostering of a new development paradigm, and to answer some of your questions. We also have with us four directors-generals at the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST): Xu Jing, director-general of the Department of Strategy and Planning; Xie Xin, director-general of the Department of Resource Allocation and Management; Ye Yujiang, director-general of the Department of Basic Research; and Wu Yuanbin, director-general of the Department of Science and Technology for Social Development.

Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Wang.

Wang Zhigang:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good afternoon. First, I would like to thank our friends from the media for your interest in and great support of the science and technology sector. I am glad to meet with you before the annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to exchange information on building China into a country of innovators.

At the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2017, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, clearly proposed making China a country of innovators. This is a requisite for building a modern country and a major task for implementing the new development concept and fostering a new development paradigm. During the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, it was proposed that we should adhere to the core position of innovation in China's overall modernization drive, and taking self-reliance in science and technology as the strategic support for national development. This provides important guidelines for making China a country of innovators in the new era. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), China made decisive achievements in building an innovation-driven country. Scientific and technological strength increased to a new level, reform of the science and technology system and governance were deepened, an enabling system for innovation was further developed, and the environment for innovation was improved. This provided strong support for economic development, improvements in people's livelihoods, and national security. Science and technology are playing an increasingly important role in implementing the new development concept and fostering a new development paradigm. It can be highlighted in the following six aspects.

First, we have systematically promoted basic research and achieved breakthroughs in core technologies in key areas. China's science and technology innovation capacity have increased significantly. For the first time, investment in basic research accounted for more than 6% of spending on research and development (R&D), including setting up 13 national applied mathematics centers. Original innovations have been developed in quantum information, iron-based superconductivity, stem cells, amid other areas. Progress has also been made in the R&D of high-speed railways, key components and basic software. Breakthroughs have been made in major scientific projects such as the Chang'e-5 (lunar probe) and Fendouzhe (deep-sea manned submersible). The development of national laboratories has been accelerated. The system of key national laboratories has been restructured. A group of national technological innovation centers were established, with enterprises as the main players.

Second, we have promoted the application of scientific and technological achievements in the development of the economy and society in an all-round manner, so as to foster "new growth drivers" for high-quality development. Remarkable development has taken place in key industries, led by major projects. Significant achievements have been made in mobile communications, new drug development and nuclear power. Technological support has been provided for major projects such as the large-scale application of 5G and the building of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The Beidou navigation satellite network now provides global coverage. The application of new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence has been accelerated. The number of high-tech enterprises has exceeded 200,000. International science and technology innovation centers in Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, 21 national innovation demonstration zones, and 169 national new- and high-tech development zones have helped speed up the formation of new areas of growth, growth belts and growth poles. Science and technology have supported the defining victory in the battle against poverty. Technicians have been sent to all registered poverty-stricken villages to offer technological assistance and promote business start-ups as a means to create more jobs. In 2020, around 167,000 college graduates were employed as research assistants.

Third, we have increased the pool of qualified scientific and technological personnel. Talent development has been accelerated. The full-time equivalent of R&D personnel in China reached 4.8 million man-years. The national science and technology programs and key laboratories have bolstered support for young talented personnel. The number of scientific and technological leaders is increasing. A group of outstanding scientists have won important international awards such as the Fritz London Memorial Prize. A unified work permit and visa system for foreign talent has been adopted, and has handled nearly 650,000 work permits.

Fourth, we have deepened reforms of the science and technology system in key areas and formed a "new ecology" for innovation and entrepreneurship. The reform targets have been preliminarily achieved in the management of science and technology programs, the application of scientific and technological achievements, and the sharing of resources. We have adopted an open competition mechanism in the first batch of pilot projects to select the best candidates. A science and technology innovation board was launched at stock market to provide a channel for connecting technology, industry and finance. Efforts have been made to reduce the burden on scientific research personnel and change the current academic evaluation system in key areas that is over-reliant on published papers, academic titles, educational background and awards. We have implemented a series of documents on promoting integrity and ethics in scientific research, which has brought about positive changes.

Fifth, we have actively integrated into the global innovation network, and new advances have been made in scientific and technological cooperation. We have established innovation dialogue mechanisms with many countries, and conducted joint research with more than 50 countries and regions. We have fully participated in major international scientific projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. Under the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, we have supported more than 8,300 young foreign scientists to work in China and established 33 joint laboratories. We have smoothed the entire process to ensure the central government's scientific and technological research funding can be extended to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR.

Sixth, we have acted swiftly and tackled the scientific and technological difficulties in emergent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making China's new contributions while addressing common global challenges. We have mobilized a national scientific and technological system that focuses on areas of clinical treatment and medicines, vaccine research and development, test equipment, and reagents. We finished the genome sequencing of the COVID-19 virus in one week and developed and approved COVID-19 test kits in 14 days. Vaccine development via five technological approaches is being advanced simultaneously. Seven vaccines have been undergoing phase III clinical trials and four have been approved conditionally. Eleven medicines or treatments have been listed in the country's diagnosis and treatment scheme for COVID-19. The country has joined 10 WTO working groups and carried out scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation with American, European, Asian, African, Latin American, and the Caribbean countries during the fight against the pandemic, sharing the latest results and providing Chinese solutions.

These results did not come easily. They have been attributed to the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, as well as the sacrifice and hardworking of a great number of scientific researchers. Here, on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology, I would like to express the highest respect for and sincere gratitude to all those in scientific and technological fields, especially those scientists and researchers working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We should not only look back on our achievements but also have a clear understanding of what comes next. On one hand, the support of science and technology towards social and economic development is not enough, and some weak points still exist. To promote the country's social and economic development, improve civil affairs, and ensure national security, our demands for science and technology have never been as important and urgent as they are today. On the other hand, the outlook and space for scientific and technological development have no limits. Our understanding of the regularity of scientific and technological innovations and the pursuit of their diffusion and permeation is endless. We should work hard and further increase the all-round support and guidance of science and technology for the economy, industries, society, and security, and strive to contribute more Chinese power and results to the global scientific and technological development.

Those who dream big can succeed and those who embrace difficulties can progress. This year marks the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan Period (2021-2025). We will stick to the four principles of targeting the global science frontiers, serving the main economic battlefield, striving to fulfill the significant needs of the country and benefiting people's lives and health. We will strengthen strategic support for science and technology, adhere to self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology, and give full play to its fundamental role in promoting high-quality development and in building the new development paradigm to achieve superior performance as a gift for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Now, I will take any questions you might have. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. The floor is open for questions. Please identify your news outlet before asking your question. Thank you.

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CCTV:

This year marks the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan Period (2021-2025). How well have we met our targets for scientific and technological innovation during the 13th Five-Year Plan Period (2016-2020)? Are there any weaknesses? Additionally, are there any new arrangements from the Ministry of Science and Technology to support the building of the new development paradigm? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Thank you for your questions. As I mentioned in my opening remarks, our scientific and technological strength and innovation abilities have been greatly improved since the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), achieving historic, systematic, and structural changes. The total R&D investment increased from 1.42 trillion yuan in 2015 to an estimated 2.4 trillion yuan in 2020. Last year, China's spending on R&D was estimated to be 2.4% of its GDP. Specifically, spending on basic research was estimated to exceed 150 billion yuan in 2020, almost double that of 2015. As estimated, the contribution of scientific and technological advances to economic growth would exceed 60% in 2020, meeting the expected target. Citizens with scientific qualities accounted for 10% of our population. According to the "global innovation index" released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China rose from 29th place in 2015 to 14th in 2020. On the whole, we have made decisive achievements in building China into a country of innovators.

Certainly, we should note that weaknesses still exist. Our innovative ability can't meet the need for high-quality development. First, key technologies are not independent and basic research and original research is weak. Second, the supply of high-quality technological results is not sufficient and can't support the industrial and supply chains well. Meanwhile, innovative abilities among enterprises are not good enough. Third, the overall efficiency of the innovative system is not high enough. There is still room to improve concerning the integration of colleges, research institutions, and enterprises into a whole innovative system, the sourcing of top talents and high-level teams, as well as the conduct and academic atmosphere within the science and technology field.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2020-2025), we will stick to the four principles of targeting the global science frontiers, serving the main economic battlefield, striving to fulfill the significant needs of the country and benefiting people's lives and health. We will emphasize the promotion of high-quality development in building the new development paradigm, and fully display the supporting role of technological innovation. First, to promote the high-end development of the industrial chain, we will step up breakthroughs in key technologies, intensify the arrangement of frontier technologies, and establish a batch of key technological projects in the areas of artificial intelligence, quantum information, and bio-breeding. Second, focusing on supporting real economic development, we will push forward the large-scale application of technological advances. Relying on national self-independent innovation zones and high-tech development zones, we will foster a number of clusters for high-tech industries and high-tech businesses, and step up the development of new forms of business and new models to strengthen new drivers in growth. Third, in order to safeguard people's health and lives, we will enhance R&D and application in the prevention and treatment of major diseases, as well as innovative medicines and medical equipment. Fourth, to realize our goals in cutting carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, we will advance technological breakthroughs and promote their application in pollution prevention and control, efficient utilization of energy and resources, and combating climate change. Fifth, to improve the overall efficiency of the innovative system, we will put emphasis on stimulating the vitality of talents, launch a new round of reforms in the scientific and technological system, and improve the innovation environment.

We hope that through the next five years' hard work and unremitting efforts, we will notably improve our national technological innovative abilities and the overall efficiency of the innovation chain, so as to better support high-quality development and build a new development diagram. Thank you.

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Yicai:

General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that talent is the fundamental source of national scientific and technological innovation. I noticed that China has done lots of work to reform the science and technology evaluation system and inspire enthusiasm for innovation. You just mentioned that great progress had been made in reducing the burden of professionals in the sector and reforming the former evaluation standards. Can you add further detail for us? Also, what kinds of reforms will be introduced during the 14th Five-Year-Plan period? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Thanks for your question. Innovation-driven development is essentially talent-driven development. Talent plays a decisive role in our push for innovation-driven growth and development in science and technology. It is also the principal part of various types of research. That's why we consider talent the most important factor. In recent years, we have put researchers first, relied on scientific and technological personnel, and served key players in innovation, such as universities, research institutions and enterprises. Specifically, we have built a talent policy system based on trust, with equal emphasis on incentives and constraints. We have also been carrying out classified evaluation. We value the effectiveness of tackling major problems in economic and social development and sci-tech progress, and also advocating for a type of peer review under which the judges know the project well. We will continue to focus on the ability, quality, effectiveness and contribution of scientific researchers; resolutely reverse the undesirable tendency of only placing importance on published theses, titles, educational background and awards; make efforts to reduce the burden of scientific researchers; create a good academic ecology; and motivate more scientific researchers to devote themselves to scientific research and carry out scientific research with dedication. We have built a diversified science and technology ecology and provided customized services for researchers in accordance with the different rules and characteristics of basic research, applied basic research, technological innovation, and the commercialization of scientific and research findings. At the same time, we have been actively advancing classified evaluation, with General Secretary Xi Jinping's requirements as the standard. He has said that scientific and technological development must target the global frontiers of science, serve the main economic battlefield, strive to fulfill the significant needs of the country and benefit people's lives and health.

First, we have been fighting against the four wrongful practices in evaluation mentioned above. We are against using published theses as the only evaluation standard. Theses themselves are good things and research needs to be published when there are new findings. However, if they are treated as the sole standard, we have the opposite problem. So, while we don't want published research to be the only standard, we still encourage young people to write papers when they start their research. It's a good thing if they are capable of delivering papers. Scientists of high caliber should produce high-quality theses, but they must be their own findings.

Second, we are breaking the practice of simply linking the titles of scientific and technological talents to the evaluation results. Many top scientists are academicians or professors. Yet when they started their research years ago, they had no such titles. We have to rely on the youth to advance the development of China's science and technology and that of mankind. It will constrain emerging talent if we only place importance on titles. We have to value them for their scientific research and findings, and not just their titles.

Third, we have been reducing the burden on researchers, enabling them to focus on scientific research. The government needs to serve them, rather than interrupt them. We have simplified planning schedules, streamlined reimbursement for expenses, reduced planning inspections, and promoted the sharing of information. Generally speaking, all these reform measures have truly reduced the burden on researchers and provided a targeted service for them. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of related departments, the reform of the talent system and evaluation work has seen sound development, and researchers now have an enhanced sense of gain. Surveys from our ministry and the media last year all showed that the seven burden-reducing programs launched by the MOST have been well-received among researchers, and ranked in the forefront in terms of how well they were reflected among the various reforms.

In the future, we will follow the deployments of the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee and continuously deepen reform which is for professionals in the science and technology sector and relies on them. The MOST will hear opinions, suggestions, and complaints from researchers both regularly and irregularly through symposiums or surveys, and take appropriate measures to maximize their sense of gain. The creativity of talents will then be further stimulated, and the building of a talent evaluation system complying with rules of sci-tech development and talent cultivation will be sped up on the basis of diverging from wrongful practices. We will develop our work style and study style in the science and technology field, strengthen our overall planning and synergize sci-tech work with education. We will also refine the income distribution policy designed to increase knowledge value, reinforce the cultivation of young sci-tech personnel, and build up more world-class innovative teams and leading talents so as to enhance the talent basis for sci-tech self-reliance. Thank you.

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Bloomberg:

I have a little bit multi-pronged questions. First of all, I'd like to ask about semiconductors. How will China support the development of semiconductors during the 14th Five-Year Plan? What kind of projects are considered key in the next five years? What kind of measures will the government take to support China's chip R&D and manufacturing? More broadly, I'd also like to ask that the U.S. government has blocked business ties between some of China's companies and their U.S. chip suppliers, and some scientific collaboration between Chinese and American universities have also faced scrutiny, what's the Ministry's plan to resolve these issues in relation to the U.S. and their actions on not only semiconductor suppliers but also researchers? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Thanks for your questions. Your first question is about how China will support the development of semiconductors. It can be said that in the information age, the semiconductor and integrated circuit industry is a core industry. It is a strategic, fundamental and pioneering industry that supports economic and social development, and a very important industry to lead the next round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the semiconductor industry. In July last year, the State Council promulgated several policies for the high-quality development of the integrated circuit industry and the software industry in the new era, covering fiscal measures and taxation; investment and financing; R&D; import and export; talents; intellectual property rights; market applications; and international cooperation. In addition, the semiconductor industry is a globalized industry and the Chinese government has always upheld the principle of open development and win-win cooperation, making full use of global resources to continuously promote technological innovation and jointly promote the development of the global integrated circuit industry.

At present, China is the world's largest and fastest-growing integrated circuit market. We certainly hope that globalized cooperation will continue,but at the same time, China itself will continue to strengthen independent innovation. We will continue strengthening scientific and technological innovation in integrated circuit-related fields, improve technological innovation capabilities and the quality and autonomy of industrial development.

In terms of scientific and technological R&D, we will mainly focus on some key core technologies and cutting-edge research in integrated circuits, software, high-end chips, and new-generation semiconductor technologies. We will offer support via the national plan in key R&D; motivate companies to be key players in innovation; and promote the deep integration of industries, universities, and research institutes, to improve the environment and platforms for innovation in the integrated circuit sector and other fields. We will also cultivate talents to improve innovation capabilities.

As you mentioned earlier, there are now some problems with the cooperation between China and the U.S., which is not what we would like to see. We still hope to continue international scientific and technological cooperation in the semiconductor field and we value further international cooperation in the integrated circuit and software sectors. We make active efforts to create a good environment for global companies to invest and develop in China. We also encourage Chinese and overseas business communities to strengthen cooperation. During cooperation, we will also strengthen intellectual property rights protection; strictly implement the protection system for intellectual property rights in the integrated circuit and software sectors; put in place stricter punishments for intellectual property infringements; and vigorously develop intellectual property rights services related to integrated circuits and software.

In short, the integrated circuit industry is an important foundation for China's high-quality economic development, and it must be the focus of China's R&D as well as scientific and technological work. Next, we will actively promote international scientific and technological cooperation among companies, universities, research institutes, and other innovative entities based on mutual benefit, to enhance the scientific and technological innovation capabilities in integrated circuit industry. We will also strengthen China’s independent R&D capabilities in the field. We hope to have more outcomes to not only serve China's information industry and applications, but also support and serve the global integrated circuit industry. Thank you.

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Nikkei:

China's basic research funding nearly doubled during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Does the Ministry of Science and Technology have any growth goals for it during the 14th Five-Year Plan period? Will it be more than doubled?

Ye Yujiang:

In recent years, China has attached great importance to basic research. Its basic research funding practically doubled during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, reaching 133.6 billion yuan in 2019, surpassing 6% of the total R&D expenditure for the first time. It is expected to exceed 150 billion yuan in 2020. The overall growth rate reached into double digits at 16.9% during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. We will take further measures to increase investment in basic research during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. First, the central government will continue to increase investment. Second, we will guide companies and society to invest more in it. In this regard, we will formulate some motivating policies. Thank you.

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Science and Technology Daily:

In recent years, there have been many new policies to reform China's science and technology innovation system and mechanisms. I am concerned about the reform of the management of science and technology planning projects. What's the current progress of reforms in that area? What specific plans do you have to select the best candidates to lead key research projects and funding non-consensus projects? Also, you have mentioned young scientists, so what are your favorable policies for them? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Let's invite Mr. Xie to answer these questions.

Xie Xin:

Thanks for your questions. The national science and technology plan is an important vehicle for the government to organize scientific and technological innovation activities, and many of the major scientific and technological achievements introduced by Mr. Wang just now were formed with the support of our science and technology programs. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, we worked hard in accordance with the CPC Central Committee's decisions and arrangements to address problems that many people had reported in the science and technology industry, such as repetition, lack of common goals and transparency, and inefficiency. In response, we formulated a new planning system, and established a more transparent and professional management and operation mechanism. In particular, we strengthened the coordination among government departments and that between government departments and provinces. We have achieved good results in setting common scientific research goals, designing tasks, and implementing projects. We plan to continue deepening reforms during the 14th Five-Year Plan period to further motivate scientific researchers and improve the overall performance of our science and technology plan.

In terms of specific reform measures, the first is regarding what you said just now about "selecting the best candidates to lead key research projects," which is a top priority in the 14th Five-Year Plan's goal to reform the science and technology program. In fact, during the vaccine research and development project last year, we already implemented such a model. The "best candidates" are actually the clinical task approval documents. When an approval document is obtained, we will provide support in stages and mobilize the research and development forces of all aspects of society. As a matter of fact, the core reform is to design our R&D tasks based on the urgent needs of the high-quality development of our economy and society. In the process of implementation, responsibilities are consolidated through reforms and via something akin to "military orders." Eventually, users will be required to evaluate our results so that our science and technology plans are able to focus more on national needs and strengthen our ability to tackle tough problems.

While organizing major R&D tasks, we also pay attention to the funding of non-consensus projects. In fact, the difficulty of this reform is that as we support non-consensus projects, we need to break the traditional practices of the past, and have a certain degree of tolerance for non-consensus projects. We will innovate in all aspects of the discovery, selection, funding, and evaluation of non-consensus projects, and truly support a batch of non-consensus projects that are groundbreaking and may have a huge impact on future industrial changes.

The third is to support young people. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the young scientist project should be fully promoted and implemented for the national science and technology plan. In fact, young people are already the main force in the implementation of our current science and technology plan, but we must build a higher and larger platform for them in the 14th Five-Year Plan period. We must also let outstanding young scientific researchers take the lead, let them undertake tasks independently, organize national projects, boldly innovate in the project implementation process, and at the same time train a reserve of young researchers who can lead the way in China's future scientific and technological development. All these reform measures will be implemented in the first batch of projects during the 14th Five-Year Plan this year, and we welcome everyone to continue to pay attention to this. Thank you.

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Hong Kong Economic Herald:

My question is for Minister Wang Zhigang. In the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, what new measures will the Ministry of Science and Technology take to support technological innovation in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Thank you for your question. First of all, Hong Kong's scientific and technological strength is an important part of the national innovation system and national strategic scientific and technological strength. I myself have been to several universities, incubators, and youth entrepreneurship high-tech zones in Hong Kong and I can say that they do have a strong sense of science and enthusiasm for technological innovation as well as great enthusiasm and incentive to jointly promote national technological innovation with the mainland. Our work is to promote the construction of an international science and technology innovation center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the guidance of the central government's work policy on Hong Kong, support Hong Kong's construction of an international innovation and technology center, and help Hong Kong's scientific and technological development integrate into the national innovation system and into the overall development of the country.

First, we will further expand the central government's science and technology fiscal plan to Hong Kong and Macao. We will also support Hong Kong's strong scientific research institutions and scientists to take the lead or cooperate with mainland institutions to undertake national basic research tasks, support Hong Kong and Macao scholars to participate in international scientific programs and projects, participate in international scientific and technological organizations, and play a greater role generally.

Second, we will promote substantial scientific and technological cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao by taking scientific research project cooperation as an important starting point. We will continue to organize and implement joint R&D projects funded by the mainland and Hong Kong, further strengthen the top-level design, focus on people's livelihood and industrial applications, and encourage Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland to carry out industry-university-research cooperation.

Third, we will vigorously support Hong Kong's construction of a national-level scientific research platform carrier. We'll strengthen the collaborative innovation of the two sides, deploy and build national laboratories, comprehensive national science centers, and national technological innovation centers in the Greater Bay Area, and attract high-level scientific research institutions from Hong Kong and Macao to participate. We will also promote the construction of a number of scientific and technological cooperation bases with Hong Kong and Macao in the mainland, especially in the Greater Bay Area.

Fourth, we will deepen scientific and cultural exchanges, support the innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in Hong Kong and Macao, encourage strong and willing universities and scientific research institutions in Hong Kong and Macao to join the national science and technology entrepreneurship research and training center system, support Hong Kong to continue to host activities for Hong Kong entrepreneurial youth to come to the mainland, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with mainland entrepreneurial incubators, and provide a development platform for outstanding Hong Kong scientific and technological personnel to launch their careers. We are planning the establishment of a Hong Kong youth science and technology cultural exchange program, helping young scientific and technological personnel from Hong Kong study and research at mainland scientific research institutions as well as create more opportunities for Hong Kong youth to develop in the mainland, especially in the Greater Bay Area.

I want to stress this in particular. Every time I go to Hong Kong and Macao, some experts and scholars in their universities, research institutions, and enterprises are indeed very enthusiastic about participating in scientific and technological innovation throughout the motherland and in the mainland, and they are very capable. Their laboratories, their achievements, their professional knowledge, professional ethics, and international vision all impressed me deeply. In our work, we must unswervingly regard Hong Kong and Macao's scientific and technological strength as an important part of national scientific and technological strength. This in turn will create more opportunities for them to participate in national scientific and technological innovation and development. Here, I would also like to express my gratitude to them. Thank you.

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China Review News:

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2015-2020), China vigorously promoted the building of international science and technology innovation centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This year marks the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and what are China's considerations in planning regional innovation highlands and promoting the building of science and technology innovation centers? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Mr. Xu will answer this question.

Xu Jing:

Thank you for your question. As we all know, this year is the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. The fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee clearly stated that we should make plans to build regional innovation highlands and support the development of Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into international science and technology innovation centers. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), we will strive to create the main driver for science and technology innovation, foster regional innovation growth sources with distinctive features, and form a regional innovation pattern featuring clear main functions, complementary advantages, and high-quality development. We have three aspects to consider regarding this structure.

First, we should continue to support the development of Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into international science and technology innovation centers. We must also strengthen efforts to plan major national innovation bases and platforms and work hard to deepen reform of science and technology systems and policy innovation. In this regard, we hope that these three areas can play a leading role in policy innovation, research exploration, and promote the positive interplay and organic integration of science and technology and industry and finance. Through these, we hope companies take the lead in creating sources for science and technology innovation in China and form important driving forces for high-quality development.

Second, we need to support regions where conditions permit the establishment of regional innovation centers and build sources for regional innovation. The key is to strengthen the growth of national high-tech industrial development zones and independent innovation demonstration zones. In fact, national high-tech development zones have played an increasingly important role in high-quality development across the country in recent years. In 2020, facing the unfavorable environment produced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 169 high-tech industrial development zones nationwide registered an operating income of 41.8 trillion yuan, up 8.4% from 2019. Therefore, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we will focus on promoting the high-quality growth of national independent innovation demonstration zones and high-tech development zones, optimize services for innovation, gather high-end resources, cultivate competitive industrial clusters and innovative enterprises, and build high-tech parks and innovative characteristic parks with international influence. At the same time, we will enhance support for the advancement of agricultural science and technology parks and agricultural high-tech development zones. We will take actions to upgrade science and technology innovation at the county level and promote the transfer, commercialization, and application of scientific and technological achievements.

Third, we must improve mechanisms for coordinated regional innovation advancement. In accordance with the national strategy for regional development, we will begin to promote the large-scale development of the western region, the full and all-around revitalization of the northeast, the rise of the central region, and the opening up of Hainan with the support of science and technology. We will increase support for scientific and technological work in old revolutionary base areas, border areas, and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities. We will speed up promoting high-tech development zones in the central and western regions to upgrade their innovation capacity and levels. We will support growing demonstration zones for science and technology cooperation between the eastern and western regions and actively explore and improve market cooperation models, such as offshore research and development centers, offshore science and technology business incubators, and ”enclave economy parks”.. Simultaneously, we will continue to deepen the Xinjiang "four-party cooperation mechanism,” which was vigorously promoted during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Under this mechanism, the four parties of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the MOST, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Shenzhen will cooperate and promote the development of the western region. We will also deepen cooperation between Gansu province and Zhangjiang High-tech Park in Shanghai, Ningxia and the six eastern provinces and cities (Beijing, Tianjin, and the provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian), Guiyang city in Guizhou province and Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing, to strengthen the innovation-driven development of the western region and create a new driving force in innovation-driven growth. Thank you.

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Cover News:

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific research has played an important role in fighting the spread of the virus. What new progress has been made in China's research and development of vaccines and medicine? What are the long-term plans for science and technology in supporting health? Thank you.

Wu Yuanbin:

First of all, thank you very much for your question. Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the science and technology community in China has firmly implemented the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and established an MOST-led research and development team under the State Council's inter-agency task force. We have focused on the five areas of viral etiology, testing technology and products, clinical treatment and medicine, vaccine development, and animal model construction, organized scientific elite forces nationwide, and spared no efforts in promoting research breakthroughs. A series of practical and effective achievements have been secured and applied to the fight against the pandemic. From sharing virus gene sequences in a timely manner, screening effective drugs and conducting large-scale nucleic acid testing, and promoting the development and marketing of vaccines, China has demonstrated its "core anti-pandemic force" in scientific research for pandemic prevention and control.

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that during the process of COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control, our science and technology personnel have carried out scientific research in major fields including treatment, vaccine research and development, and prevention and control measures, which has provided strong support for and made great contributions to the coordination between anti-pandemic efforts and socio-economic development. These achievements are attributed to the personal planning of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and have highlighted the strengths of China's socialist system. These outcomes have also benefitted from China's establishment of a science and technology innovation system and the overall improvement of innovation capacity. These of course would not have been secured without the efforts and struggles of our scientific researchers.

Just now you mentioned progress in the research and development of vaccines and medicine. In order to maximize the success rate of vaccine R&D, China has arranged parallel vaccine research in the five categories of inactivated vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines, adenovirus vector vaccines, and live attenuated influenza vaccines. Currently, 17 vaccines are undergoing clinical trials and seven of them are currently undergoing phase-3 clinical trials. Four others have so far been authorized for conditional marketing, and have applied for the vaccination of key populations nationwide.

With regard to drug research and development, we started by focusing on strengthening effective drug sifting, with a total of 11 types of drugs — including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions — included in the treatment plan. This played a significant role in clinical rescue, preventing deterioration, reducing the death rate and other aspects. The development and application of new treatment technologies, including convalescent plasma and stem cells, have achieved clear results in the treatment of severe and critically ill patients. In terms of research and development of specific drugs, we focused on promoting the R&D of neutralizing antibodies, and currently, seven single drug types and one combination drug have been approved for clinical trials.

Just now you asked about our work going forward. First, we will continue advancing scientific research into epidemic prevention and control, strengthening understanding of the epidemic trends and risk warnings, accelerating R&D of vaccines and antibody drugs, upgrading detection technologies and product inventions, and tracing virus mutations and their impact on vaccines, drugs and testing reagents, thus providing a solid scientific and technological underpinning for the pandemic control. Second, we will better align the long-term development on life and health. We will strengthen innovative capacity-building on healthcare technology, establish a scientific research system and a rapid support mechanism in preparation for both peacetime and wartime. In addition, we will focus on epidemic prevention and control, the prevention and treatment of major and severe diseases, reproductive health and aging population problems and other key fields, and make an overall plan for scientific tasks. Third, we will accelerate the addressing of shortcomings in etiology study and R&D of high-end medical equipment to better ensure people’s lives and health through scientific innovation. Thank you.

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National Business Daily:

How basic research can be strengthened to improve our original innovative ability remains an issue of great public concern. The Fifth Plenary Session of the Central Committee proposed formulating a 10-Year Action Plan for basic research, so my question is, what major progress has China made in this regard? And what specific measures will be taken next?

Wang Zhigang:

I'd like to hand your questions to Mr. Ye Yujiang.

Ye Yujiang:

Thank you for your questions. Basic research is the main resource in scientific technology, and a central gear for all technical issues. A country's foundation and stamina of technological innovation is determined by its level of basic research, which is also a prerequisite for China to achieve self-reliance in scientific technology. After years of efforts, and particularly since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, our basic research has achieved remarkable progress. On the whole, we believe that we have entered a new stage from quantitative accumulation to qualitative leap, from point breakthroughs to systematic capability improvement. To summarize briefly on the following four points: First, the development of the discipline demonstrates a good momentum and a number of major original results have been achieved. They include: China's high-quality international papers have reached second place globally for several consecutive years; the number of citations of SCI papers in 12 disciplines also now ranks second in the world, and our number of highly cited scientists has been second in the world for two consecutive years. We have also achieved major results with international influence in the fields of material sciences, quantum science, nanoscience, and life sciences. Second, we have significantly increased investment in basic research, which I explained earlier, so I won't repeat myself. Third, the policies and systems which support basic R&D have been continuously improved. We have formulated and issued documents to support our basic research work, such as Several Opinions of the State Council on Fully Strengthening Basic Scientific Research, Strengthening Basic Research Work Plan 'From zero to one', and Several Key Measures to Deepen Basic Research in the New Situation. Fourth, important progress has been made in the construction of scientific research bases. Currently, there are more than 500 national key laboratories, while 13 national applied mathematics centers have been built. With regard to the basic conditions of scientific research, we are building national scientific database centers, and resource management libraries for biological species and laboratory materials, as well as national research stations for observing wildlife, and we have increasingly consolidated our basic conditions for scientific research.

Next, we will further our basic research guided by the 14th Five-Year Plan from the following two aspects: First, we will double our efforts aiming at the cutting-edge of world science. As a major country, the Chinese nation should contribute to global scientific development and the progress of human civilization. Second, we will stress the concept that application is the key to basic research. Currently, we are faced by many bottleneck technical challenges, the root of which is that our basic theoretical research still lags behind. Therefore, in the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, we will pay more attention to solving scientific problems in our production practices and guide more scientists in conducting aim-oriented basic applied research, so as to make breakthroughs in national development and security.

The other important step to strengthening basic research is to focus on scientific issues when conducting basic research. Asking scientific questions is the fundamental prerequisite for solving problems scientifically as scientific research always starts with problems. If we fail to raise truly meaningful scientific questions, there will be no theoretical or methodological innovations, let alone major scientific achievements. Therefore, we will encourage scientists to begin with the truly scientific questions and pursue original topics by proposing new theories, exploring new fields and blazing new trails when consolidating basic research. We will formulate the Decade Action Plan for Basic Research (2021-2030) in accordance with the requirements of the central government. This plan will formulate a systematic deployment and arrangement for the development of basic research in China over the coming 10 years. Here, I will briefly introduce the preliminary considerations as well as how to strengthen basic research going forward.

First, we will further optimize the structure of both academic disciplines and R&D efforts. We will support the development of emerging disciplines, unpopular disciplines, and weaker disciplines, and especially promote the integration of disciplines as well as interdisciplinary research. A number of research centers for basic disciplines in cutting-edge fields will also be built.

Second, we will formulate and implement strategic scientific plans and projects, advance application-oriented basic research, and improve the supply system of basic generic technologies.

Third, we will accelerate the development of national laboratories, reorganize the structure of national key laboratories, and establish systematic strategic sci-tech strength.

Fourth, we will reform and improve the systems and mechanisms for basic research and further increase input in basic research. In particular, we will establish an evaluation system that centers on academic contribution and innovation value in a bid to support research personnel to make innovation breakthroughs. Thank you.

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Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

The proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 adopted at the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee said for the first time that enterprises will be supported to take the lead in establishing innovation consortiums and undertake major national sci-tech projects. What measures will the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) take next to improve enterprises' innovation capacity? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

I will take your question. What you've asked is very important. Enterprises are both market entities and a principal force in sci-tech innovation. They need to innovate to grow, and their innovation has great significance to the development of industries and society. Therefore, it is necessary to give full play to the role of enterprises as a principal force in innovation, and this is also a key aspect of sci-tech innovation. In addition, from the perspective of building a new development paradigm, we need to prioritize sci-tech innovation and enterprises need to take their fair share of responsibilities in this regard. In recent years, MOST has been working with relevant government bodies to carry out the national technology innovation project, and guide and encourage the flow of innovation resources to enterprises. Meanwhile, we have strengthened policy support and guidance for enterprises, and given full play to the market's decisive role in allocating resources. We have been working proactively to create a favorable environment with fair opportunities, rights, and rules so as to stimulate and improve the innovation capacity of enterprises via fair competition. This applies to Chinese and foreign enterprises under all types of ownership.

First, we focused on the implementation of policies. In 2020, more than 350 billion yuan in tax was cut or exempted from enterprises' additional tax-deductible R&D costs, up approximately 25% year-on-year. Second, we stepped up efforts to develop innovative enterprises. The number of new and high-tech enterprises and sci-tech SMEs have reached about 275,000 and 223,000, respectively. A number of innovative enterprises with international competitiveness are growing at an accelerated pace. Third, we worked to improve services concerning innovation. We promoted the opening and sharing of sci-tech resources, and provided innovative enterprises with services such as technology transfer, investment and financing, and those concerning intellectual properties. In 2020, the number of China's new and high-tech enterprises grew by 24% year-on-year. Their revenue, output value, and profit totaled 51.3 trillion yuan, 37.8 trillion yuan, and 3.8 trillion yuan, up 13.8%, 16.6%, and 20.1%, respectively. New and high-tech enterprises have greatly contributed to China's efforts to ensure stability on six fronts and maintain security in six areas, playing an important role in supporting the high-quality development of China's economy. Last year, when the epidemic situation was rather severe, new and high-tech enterprises were among the first to resume production and deliver positive growth and their performance ranked among the highest compared with all types of business. In the meantime, it should be clear that the principal position of China's enterprises in innovation has yet to be prioritized, and their capacity for technological innovation needs to be further developed. In addition, the innovation mechanism that integrates the efforts of enterprises, universities, and research institutes needs to be further strengthened to achieve better results.

Looking forward, MOST will earnestly implement the guiding principles of the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee and launch a program to improve enterprises' technological innovation capacities. MOST will look to enterprises as the main player in promoting technological innovation collaboration among universities, scientific research institutes and enterprises, in a bid to promote enterprise-led sci-tech innovation. First, MOST will step up efforts to develop innovative enterprises, foster a number of leading innovative enterprises in key fields, and give full play to big enterprises' role in leading and supporting sci-tech MSMEs to become sources for innovation. Second, MOST will pool premium resources for enterprises to help them improve technological innovation capacity. We will move faster to build national sci-tech innovation centers. Centering on enterprises, MOST will establish platforms for scientific research and generic technologies in a bid to provide innovation resources such as technology, funds, and talents to enterprises. In particular, we will work to attract high-level talents for enterprises. Third, MOST will promote profound integration between enterprises, universities, and research institutes via national projects. MOST will also support enterprises to take the lead in establishing systematic and task-oriented innovation consortiums. Leading enterprises are encouraged to head up or participate in national sci-tech projects. MOST will also provide guidance for all types of enterprises to participate, summarize, and put forward R&D projects to make breakthroughs in core technologies in key areas, and further build China's strategic sci-tech strength. Fourth, MOST will strengthen targeted policy support. This means strengthening the implementation efforts of existing policies, making sure that enterprises are able to receive all possible benefits available. Some existing policies require improvement, while others must be better implemented. There is still much work to be done in this regard. Additionally, MOST will put forward a number of new policies to foster new impetus and stimulate vitality for enterprises' innovation efforts. This includes encouraging enterprises to carry out basic research and improve innovation capacity, supporting the R&D and innovation efforts of SMEs, providing incentive policies for sci-tech personnel, and policies regarding intellectual properties, etc. Thank you.

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Beijing Radio & Television Station:

The Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee proposed that China should uphold the central role of innovation in its modernization drive and make self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology the strategic underpinning for national development. How can we understand what self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology means, and what are the next steps you plan to take? How can we better understand the relationship between self-reliance and open cooperation in science and technology? Thank you.

Wang Zhigang:

Thank you for your questions. The Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee stressed that China should uphold the central role of innovation in its modernization drive and make self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology the strategic underpinning for national development. This is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, with both current and long-term needs in mind. It is not a choice of expediency, but a consistent decision that must be adhered to on a long-term basis. Scientific and technological innovation has always played an important and irreplaceable role in the prosperity and development of any country and the progress of human civilization, and its role will become more prominent in the future. With the coming of the new era, China has bigger and more urgent requirements for scientific and technological development. In the next stage of development, a high level of sci-tech self-reliance and self-strengthening is the key to promoting high-quality development and fostering a new development paradigm. The core of self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology is to continuously improve the innovation capabilities in this regard. We must also make innovation the logical starting point for advancing our economic and industrial development. We must seek answers and solutions through innovation. We will continuously meet people's needs for a better life with sci-tech advancement, and enhance our industrial, economic and national strengths on a strong foundation of science and technology. By so doing, we will be able to make contributions to the world's scientific and technological development, responding to the common challenged of mankind, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The focus on how to achieve a high level of self-reliance and self-improvement is to highlight six areas:

First, we will focus on making breakthroughs in core and key technologies, and making up for technological shortcomings in key areas. We will deploy the innovation chain to match the industrial chain, and lay out the industrial chain around the innovation chain, so the two can complement each other and achieve rapid progress. We will apply new sciences and new technologies to spur the development of new industries and new economies. Efforts will be made to establish first-mover advantages and technological strengths in the frontiers of new scientific and technological development. This will ensure the security, stability, independence and controllability of the industrial chain and supply chain with innovation in science and technology.

Second, we are strengthening basic research and original innovation. We will enhance the ability to raise basic science questions in our production practice, and stimulate curiosity-driven basic research and application, and objective-oriented basic research. Mr. Ye has just talked about this issue. He said that asking good questions is far harder than finding answers, and that should be the key to basic research and scientific research. Therefore, we should attach great importance to worthwhile questions and our research orientations. This capacity allows us to start from basic research, and go forward to technological innovation and the industrialization of research results. It is why we say basic research is the master switch and fountainhead of scientific research. In addition, basic research produces not only technological research results, but scientific methods and new paradigms of scientific research. So, we say basic research should be strengthened in an all-dimensional and multi-layered manner. It is extremely important for us to build China into a science and technology giant. In the meantime, as China is entering a new development stage, we need to build a greater capacity for independent development and high-level development, and we should even be leading the world in certain areas. This will not only provide strong support and a solid foundation for China's economic and social development, but ensure the country can make more scientific and technological contributions to the international community.

Third, we are enhancing strategic scientific and technological strength. Efforts will be made to accelerate the development of national laboratories; restructure the system of key national laboratories; and give full play to the main forces for science and technology innovation, including universities, scientific research institutes, and enterprises, so as to foster a number of regional pacesetters for innovation with international competitiveness.

Fourth, we will strive to improve the technological innovation capabilities of enterprises, support them to take the lead in forming innovation alliances, undertake major national science and technology projects, promote integration and innovation of large-, medium- and small-sized enterprises, and implement more preferential policies for enterprises to invest in basic research.

Fifth, we will focus on stimulating the innovative vitality of talents, train and introduce good talents in all aspects, cultivate more world-leading talents and teams, and train a reserve army of young talents who are internationally competitive.

Sixth, we will promote reform of the science and technology system and mechanism; accelerate the transformation of government functions; promote the overall allocation of projects, bases, talents and funds in key areas; reform the evaluation and incentive mechanism; and promote ethical standards and improve academic practice in the science and technology field. Enhancing ethical standards and academic integrity is essential to scientific research — without ethics and integrity, the foundation of scientific research will not be firm. Therefore, at this point, we need to give full trust and strong incentives, and at the same time, we should also have restrictive measures.

With regards to scientific and technological self-reliance and open cooperation, they are not contradictory, but in a dialectical unity. Open cooperation is indispensable in pursuing the path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics. We need to be self-reliant so that we can develop open cooperation in science and technology with equality and mutual respect. Without such a foundation and precondition, open cooperation will not prosper in reality. Furthermore, open cooperation provides mutual benefits and win-win results. In opening-up to the outside world, China has always put science and technology at the forefront. We have continued to contribute to global scientific and technological progress and socio-economic development, while at the same time, we have benefited greatly from international scientific and technological cooperation. At present, China's scientific and technological innovation and development are increasingly inseparable from the world’s, while global scientific and technological progress also increasingly needs China. Looking to the future, China will implement an international science and technology cooperation strategy that is more open, inclusive and mutually beneficial. China's desire to promote open cooperation in science and technology will be stronger. The door will be opened wider and greater steps forward will be taken. We are willing to work with countries around the world to actively carry out dialogues, exchanges and in-depth cooperation on science, technology and innovation. For example, first, in fields related to sustainable development — such as climate change, energy, resources and public health — we should establish global scientific research funds, actively contribute Chinese wisdom and jointly respond to global challenges. Second, in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases and in the public health sector, we should create scientific and technological cooperation mechanisms and promote more practical cooperation. As I said in my opening remarks, when the epidemic was at its most serious in China, an important part of our work fighting the epidemic was to carry out scientific research and share our experiences with other countries. Third, we need to work with other countries to promote scientific research and technological innovation that concerns the well-being of mankind. We need to jointly condense scientific issues and support scientists from all countries to cooperate in scientific research activities. We should also jointly promote achievements in scientific and technological cooperation to serve the development of all countries and the well-being of the people, so as to fulfill the mission of scientific and technological innovation in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

As the host said, this was the last question. I would like to again express my gratitude to friends from the media. I hope you will continue to follow, study and support scientific and technological innovation and development, and provide a better environment and more positive energy. Thank you, everyone.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Minister Wang. Thanks to our speakers, and thank you all for participating in today's press conference. Happy Lantern Festival!

Goodbye!

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Chen Xia, Fan Junmei, Li Huiru, Zhang Jiaqi, Zhou Jing, Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhang Tingting, Liu Qiang, Yan Xiaoqing, Guo Yiming, Wang Qian, Zhang Rui, Wang Wei, Liu Jianing, Yuan Fang, Zhu Bochen, Zhang Junmian, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.