Young talent plays key role in shaping the future of innovation, experts say

Young talent is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation, particularly as global scientific frontiers rapidly evolve, experts said at the Beijing International Youth Innovation and Development Forum on Sunday.

You Jun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee and head of the committee's Organization Department, said that young people are the driving force of scientific and technological innovation.

It is crucial to strengthen the cultivation of young scientific talent by placing full trust in them, providing thoughtful guidance and offering strong support to help more outstanding young innovators, You said at the event in Beijing, which is a parallel session to the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum.

In recent years, Beijing has continued to enhance innovation resources, focusing on building a high-level talent hub and implementing more open and effective talent policies, You said.

"The city is committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive talent ecosystem, ensuring that young innovators can confidently pursue their careers and entrepreneurial ambitions in Beijing," he said.

From quantum computing to artificial intelligence, young people are increasingly recognized not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but also as essential partners today.

Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said that the Global Network for Innovation Services, launched at the forum last year, has fostered global youth development by connecting research institutions, universities and enterprises.

This year, he emphasized the transformative power of emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and renewable energy, when promoting innovation among young people, noting that AI and other innovations are not just economic drivers, but also catalysts for social progress, environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Wang Jinzhan, executive secretary of the leading Party members group of the China Association for Science and Technology, said that rapid advancements in the new wave of scientific and industrial revolutions have increased the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of scientific research.

"The traditional knowledge production model that was confined to separate disciplines is now converging toward cross-disciplinary collaboration. More than ever, we need scientists from all countries and fields to address global challenges such as climate change and energy security," Wang said.

Serving young scientists and fostering open, trusting international cooperation is one of the core missions of the China Association for Science and Technology. Through the establishment of the World Young Scientists Summit and other supportive initiatives, the association has built a hub for young international scientists, he added.

Xiang Tao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and head of the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences, emphasized the urgency of cultivating top quantum talent amid fierce international competition.

Breakthroughs in the field depend not only on advanced equipment and sufficient funding, but also on the wisdom and creativity of top talent, Xiang said.

Young people are already driving innovation in quantum science. Over 85 percent of researchers at the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences hold doctoral degrees, with an average age of 36.

"These young scientists have made notable progress in quantum computing and quantum sensing," Xiang said.

However, China still faces a critical talent shortage in quantum science, he said, advocating a full-chain talent cultivation system that integrates basic education, higher education, industrial application and international collaboration.

Xiang stressed the importance of high-level education and overseas experience in shaping top young scientists.

During the forum, Beijing unveiled 13 measures to support innovation and entrepreneurship for overseas returnees, including establishing internship and training bases and prioritizing the residency process for outstanding talent.

The forum was jointly held by the Beijing Municipal Human Resources Bureau, China Daily, the Beijing Overseas Talents Center, the Beijing Haidian district committee of the CPC and the Haidian district government, aiming to promote international collaboration among young talent and bolster Beijing's innovation resources.

Initiatives such as the Service Package for Foreign Experts and Overseas Talents in International Organizations Based in Beijing were unveiled to encourage and support young global talent in innovating and starting businesses in Beijing.