Over the past five years, China's technological innovation capabilities have steadily improved, and the foundation for becoming a technological powerhouse has been continuously strengthened, said China's Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun at a press conference on Thursday.

He highlighted several significant aspects of China's science and technology sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).

Investment in technology has continued to increase

In 2024, the total social R&D expenditure exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan ($506 billion), an increase of 48 percent compared to 2020. The R&D intensity reached 2.68 percent, exceeding the average level of EU countries, and the total number of R&D personnel ranked first in the world.

Level of basic research has been further enhanced

The budget for basic research reached 249.7 billion yuan ($35.7 billion), an increase of over 70 percent compared to 2020. And the number of high-level international journal papers and the volume of international patent applications have ranked first in the world for five consecutive years.

The nation's strategic scientific and technological strength is continuously improving

The construction of national laboratories is advancing steadily, and the scientific research capabilities of national research institutions, high-level research universities, and leading technology enterprises are constantly improving.

Regional technological innovation is showing a favorable trend

International science and innovation centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have been continuously enhancing their vitality. The innovation cluster composed of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou currently ranks first among the top 100 global innovation clusters.

What's more, China's overall innovation capability ranking has risen from 14th place in 2020 to 10th place in 2024. China has established the goal of building a strong country in science and technology, and accelerating the realization of high-level self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology, said Yin.

(Cover via VCG)

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