Original thinking can lead to more innovation

In the communique released after the closure of the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Thursday, the central leadership once again underscored the crucial role of innovation.

Over the past decade, China has made remarkable achievements in the field of technology, contributing to global progress. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index 2023, China ranks 12th in terms of innovation capacity compared with 34th in 2012. Among the top 100 global science and technology clusters, China boasts 24, more than the United States' 21.

These achievements underscore China's increasing prowess in innovation and its expanding role on the global technology stage. China's research and development expenditure in 2023 exceeded 3.3 trillion yuan ($454.02 billion), the second highest in the world. And its R&D expenditure intensity (as a ratio of GDP) measured at 2.64 percent, more than the EU's average, which shows China is on the way to becoming a global leader in innovation.

Also, Chinese applications for international patents under the Patent Cooperation Treaty increased from 18,627 in 2012 to 69,610 in 2023, with the rate of increase being the highest among all countries for several years. This surge in patent applications is indicative of China's thriving innovation ecosystem.

China's achievements in the technology field have directly fueled its industrial development, particularly in the high-tech sectors. It leads the world in large-scale application of 5G technology, a testament to its development potential in cutting-edge telecommunications technology. China is also a global leader in renewable energy with the highest installed capacity for solar and wind power, energy storage and hydrogen production. These achievements have helped China take significant strides in green industries, making it a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Besides, since 2001, China has been involved in major electric vehicle (EV) projects, focusing on developing key technologies for batteries, motors and control systems. As a result, it has built a comprehensive industry chain which includes materials research, manufacturing and assembly lines — and its EV ownership exceeded 20 million in 2023. This achievement reflects China's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

China has also made marked progress in extensive and diverse industrial system including high-end equipment, smart robotics and laser manufacturing. These technological advancements have elevated "Made in China" to new heights, boosting the country's manufacturing capability and global competitiveness.

China has also mastered high-speed rail technology, becoming the only country capable of building and operating railways in diverse and challenging environments. China's expertise in high-speed trains is a shining example of its engineering prowess and ability to tackle complex infrastructure projects.

Behind China's industrial growth is a burgeoning group of innovative enterprises. According to the 2023 European Union Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard, 679 Chinese companies were listed among the global top 2,500, with Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba and China State Construction making it to the top 50, highlighting Chinese enterprises' innovation capacity and competitiveness on the global stage.

In April 2024, the Hurun Research Institute said China had 340 unicorns, second only to the US, which were primarily focused on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, new energy and biotechnology. The rapid growth of such companies reflects China's dynamic and evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

Besides, China's achievements in space, deep-sea and deep-earth explorations include building a space station, successfully completing lunar missions, and operationalizing the Beidou global navigation system. These milestones highlight China's expertise in executing complex, large-scale scientific projects.

Recognizing the foundational role of basic research, China has implemented a 10-year plan to promote basic research, while raising funding for research in 2023 to 221.2 billion yuan, up 9.3 percent year-on-year. The increased funding for basic research has led to significant breakthroughs in quantum information, stem cells and neuroscience. These achievements underscore China's commitment to advancing the frontiers of science and technology.

However, China still faces challenges on the path to becoming a science and technology superpower. Despite the impressive increase in research publications, China still lags behind advanced economies in terms of scientific ideas and theories. Hence, Chinese scholars should focus more on raising original scientific questions, finding the answers to those questions and establishing theoretical frameworks.

As for innovation in the corporate sector, it requires advancements in AI, quantum technology and biotechnology, areas in which China doesn't have many leading global enterprises. To address these gaps, China must continue to foster an environment that encourages original thought and breakthrough innovations. To become a technology powerhouse, China must promote innovation while collaborating with global scientists to address critical issues such as climate change and food security.

China's journey on the way to becoming a global sci-tech powerhouse is marked by substantial progress and significant challenges. And the country's dedication to innovation, coupled with strategic global partnerships, will be pivotal in shaping a future where advancements in high-tech will contribute to global prosperity.

The author is director of and a researcher at the Institute of Innovation and Development, Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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