A leap forward in the development of science and technology in China

The period of the 14th Five-Year Plan is a milestone in the development of China's science and technology. During these five years, the country's capacity for scientific and technological innovation has steadily improved, and the foundation for building a strong science and technology nation has been continuously consolidated.

First, investment in science and technology has continued to increase. In 2024, the total investment in research and development across society exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan, a 48% increase compared to 2020. The intensity of research and development investment reached 2.68%, surpassing the average level of EU countries. The total number of research and development personnel ranks first in the world.

Second, the level of basic research has further improved. The funding for basic research reached 249.7 billion yuan, an increase of over 70% compared to 2020. A number of major original achievements have been made in fields such as quantum technology, life sciences, material sciences, and space sciences. The number of high-level international journal papers and international patent applications has ranked first in the world for five consecutive years.

Third, the country's strategic scientific and technological forces have continued to grow. The construction of the national laboratory system has been steadily advancing. The research capabilities of national research institutions and high-level research universities have been continuously enhanced. Leading technology enterprises have been rapidly cultivated and grown.

Fourth, regional scientific and technological innovation has shown a good trend. The supporting, leading, and radiating roles of the Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area international science and technology innovation centers have been continuously strengthened. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou region has risen to the top of the global top 100 innovation clusters. The construction of regional science and technology innovation centers in Chengdu-Chongqing, Wuhan, and Xi'an has been accelerating.

Fifth, China's ranking in comprehensive national innovation capacity has risen from 14th place in 2020 to 10th place in 2024.

During these five years, scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation have been accelerating their integration, and new quality productivity has been flourishing. First, the scale of high-tech industries has continued to expand. The added value of high-tech manufacturing above designated size has increased by 42% compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. The proportion of the "three new" economy in GDP has reached 18%. New growth points are emerging in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Second, the innovation capabilities of enterprises have significantly strengthened, with the proportion of enterprise R&D investment exceeding 77%. In 2024, 524 Chinese mainland enterprises entered the global top 2,000 in industrial R&D investment, accounting for 26.2% of the listed enterprises, an increase of 4.8 percentage points compared to 2020. The number of high-tech enterprises exceeded 500,000, an increase of 83% compared to 2020.

Third, major scientific and technological achievements have emerged rapidly. The Tiangong space station has entered regular operation, the Chang'e-6 mission has achieved a sample return from the far side of the moon, and the Haodou-1 has completed a 10,000-meter sea trial. 5G communication has been widely applied, and the Beidou navigation system provides global precise services. The C919 large passenger aircraft has achieved commercial flights, and China's new energy vehicle production and sales have remained the world's top. The CR450 high-speed train has consolidated and expanded China's leading position in high-speed rail technology. The world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant has been put into commercial operation, and China leads the world in ultra-high voltage power transmission and transformation. China's installed capacity of photovoltaic and wind power ranks first in the world.

Over the past five years, the achievements of scientific and technological innovation have benefited the general public, and people's livelihoods have continued to improve.

First, it has supported the construction of an agricultural power. The area of independently selected and bred crop varieties exceeds 95%, ensuring that Chinese people hold their own food bowls firmly.

Second, it has supported the construction of a healthy China. New breakthroughs have been made in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases and the precise diagnosis and treatment of the "four major chronic diseases". The number of domestically innovative drugs listed is 2.8 times that of the "13th Five-Year Plan" period. High-end medical equipment such as all-digital PET-CT has been made in China.

Third, it has supported the construction of a beautiful China. The application of science and technology in the prevention and control of air, water, and soil pollution has achieved remarkable results. The average concentration of PM2.5 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas has decreased by 18% during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period.

Fourth, it has supported the construction of a peaceful China. The application of new technologies has improved the intelligence and precision of areas such as production safety, emergency rescue, and social governance, strengthening the safety barrier.

In addition, in transportation, culture and tourism, sports, and other fields, scientific and technological innovation has brought more gains and happiness to the people.

Over the past five years, the reform of the science and technology system has continued to deepen, and the vitality of innovation and creation has been fully released.

First, the coordination and efficiency of science and technology policies with fiscal, financial, industrial, educational, and talent policies have been further strengthened.

Second, the organization mechanism for major national science and technology tasks has been further improved. Project refinement has more prominently focused on strategic needs. New models such as "listing and contracting", "horse racing", and "chain leader" have been adopted. Project supervision and inspection have been strengthened, and the "package system" for funds has been explored and improved.

Third, the evaluation and incentive policies for science and technology talents have been further optimized. Pilot projects for classified evaluation have been promoted, and the reform of "de-hatting" for relevant projects of the National Natural Science Foundation has been deepened. Support has been given to young researchers to take on major responsibilities and play leading roles. The proportion of researchers under 45 years old in the national key research and development program has exceeded 80%. The spirit of scientists has been vigorously promoted, and the construction of scientific research style and academic atmosphere has been continuously strengthened. The scientific literacy of citizens has been continuously improved.

Fourth, the science and technology finance system has been further improved. A "combination of policies" for science and technology finance has been introduced. Departments and localities have actively acted and accelerated implementation. Since 2021, 376 enterprises have been listed on the STAR Market, raising over 600 billion yuan in initial public offerings. By 2025, the loan for technological innovation and technological transformation will reach 800 billion yuan.

Over the past five years, international scientific and technological cooperation has been extensive and in-depth, and an open and innovative ecosystem with global competitiveness has been accelerated in construction.

First, all-round and multi-level scientific and technological cooperation has been continuously expanded. China has established scientific and technological cooperation relations with 160 countries and regions and signed 119 inter-governmental scientific and technological cooperation agreements. It has joined over 200 international organizations and multilateral mechanisms.

Second, the "Belt and Road" innovation road has been accelerated. The "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan has been deeply implemented. The "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Exchange Conference has been institutionalized. "Belt and Road" joint laboratories have been comprehensively planned and constructed. Third, China has taken the lead in initiating international major science programs such as the "Deep-time Digital Earth" and "Ocean Negative Emissions", which are advancing steadily. China is also actively participating in over 60 international major science programs and projects, including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.