The Construction of an Innovative Country

A major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council based on scientific analysis of China’s basic national conditions and strategic needs. We shall take the enhancement of independent innovation capability as the strategic basis for the development of science and technology, embark on the path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics, and promote the leapfrog development of science and technology; take the enhancement of independent innovation capability as the central link in adjusting the industrial structure and changing the growth mode, build a resource-saving and environment-friendly society and promote the rapid and sound development of the national economy; take the enhancement of independent innovation capability as a national strategy that runs through all aspects of modernization, stimulate the nation’s innovative spirit, cultivate high-level innovative talents, form systems and mechanisms conducive to independent innovation, vigorously promote theoretical innovation, institutional innovation, and technological innovation, and continuously consolidate and develop the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In 2006, the State Council formulated the “National Medium and Long-term Science and Technology Development Plan Outline (2006-2020)”, which proposed major strategic tasks for China to enter the ranks of innovative countries in 15 years.

China’s overall goal of building an innovative country is: by 2020, independent innovation capability will be significantly enhanced, and the capability of science and technology to promote economic and social development and guarantee national security will be significantly enhanced, so as to provide strong support for building a moderately prosperous society. The comprehensive strength of basic science and cutting-edge technology research will be significantly enhanced, and a number of scientific and technological achievements with significant influence in the world will be obtained, and China enters the ranks of innovative countries, laying the foundation for China becoming a world scientific and technological power in the middle of the 21st century. To build an innovative country, science and technology is the key, talent is the core, and education is the foundation. Scientific and technological talents are the key to improving independent innovation capability. It is required to further create an environment that encourages innovation, strive to create world-class scientists and scientific and technological leaders, and focus on cultivating front-line innovative talents, so that the whole society competes for innovation and wisdom, and a large number of innovative talents in various fields emerge, forming strong independent innovation capability, supporting China's economic and social development, and achieving the goal of entering the ranks of innovative countries by 2020.