Innovation indispensable for sci-tech self-reliance

Editor's note: Self-reliance in science and technology is critical to the development of new quality productive forces. China Daily spoke to Zhou Yuehui, a professor of economics at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, on how that can be realized. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

A sound system tailored to local conditions for developing new quality productive forces, along with the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation in industrial applications can drive China's high-quality development.

A defining feature of new quality productive forces is innovation, not only in technologies, business models and industrial forms, but also in management and institutional systems. It is essential to advance innovation across the board to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces.

Technological innovation generates new industries, new business models and new growth drivers, making it essential for the development of new quality productive forces. Intensified efforts are required in scientific and technological innovation, especially original and disruptive breakthroughs, to achieve high-level self-reliance in these areas.

New quality productive forces have already taken shape and are demonstrating strong momentum and support for high-quality growth. For the country to achieve high-quality development and advance Chinese modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, a new theoretical framework of productive forces is needed.

China must continue to implement the strategies that have invigorated the nation. Science education has made it a talent-strong country and driven development through innovation. China must set its sights on the global frontiers of science and technology, national economic development, the major needs of the country, and the health and safety of its people. It is also necessary to strengthen scientific and technological innovation, especially original and disruptive innovations, accelerate the efforts to build high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and advance breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. This will lead to the emergence of original and disruptive scientific and technological innovations and foster greater momentum for the development of new quality productive forces.

Moreover, the transformation of scientific and technological progress into real productive forces is manifested in the emergence of new industries and the upgrading of existing ones. It is therefore essential to apply scientific and technological achievements promptly to specific industries and industry chains, upgrade traditional sectors, strengthen emerging industries and build future industries to modernize the industrial system.

It is also imperative to improve the resilience and safety of the industry and supply chains for the development of new quality productive forces, and ensure that the industrial system is independent, controllable, safe and reliable.

China will advance high-quality industrialization and accelerate building strength in manufacturing, product quality, cyberspace and digital technology. It will vigorously develop the digital economy and promote deep integration between the digital and real economies to foster globally competitive digital industry clusters. To strengthen the country's agricultural foundation, China will promote innovation in seed technology, agricultural machinery and other key areas, and promote the application of scientific and technological advances in modern agriculture to safeguard national food security.