Support and lead high-quality development through high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement

　　High-quality development is the primary task in comprehensively building a socialist modern country and the essential requirement of Chinese-style modernization. To achieve high-quality development, we must adhere to the principle that science and technology are the primary productive forces, talent is the primary resource, and innovation is the primary driving force. We should root scientific and technological innovation in the soil of comprehensive economic and social development, cultivating and building new engines that promote sustainable growth. On the new journey of comprehensively building a socialist modern country, it is essential to deeply understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discussions on high-quality development and scientific and technological innovation, coordinate high-quality development with high-level security, accelerate the advancement of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, build a strong science and technology nation, and provide strong technological support for Chinese-style modernization.

　　1. Accelerating the achievement of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength is the only way to promote high-quality development.

　　Currently, China's economic development has shifted from a stage of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development, transitioning from quantitative expansion to qualitative improvement. High-quality development has become the theme of China's economic and social development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and beyond, relating to the overall construction of socialist modernization in China. Entering a new development stage, we must insist on taking high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength as the core driving force leading high-quality development, providing fundamental and strategic support for building a modern socialist country in all respects.

　　High-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength are the essential requirements for accelerating the construction of a new development pattern. Throughout human history, scientific and technological innovation has always been an inexhaustible driving force for the development of a country and a nation and a key factor in improving productivity. Focusing on developing the real economy and accelerating the construction of a new development pattern with the domestic cycle as the main body and the domestic and international dual cycles promoting each other urgently requires scientific and technological innovation to serve as the "power engine" and the "pioneer" to strengthen and energize the modern industrial system. We must rely on scientific and technological innovation to improve the scale and level of the supply system, promote the rapid large-scale application and iterative upgrading of new technologies, release and create new huge demands, enhance the sustainability and reliability of the endogenous power of the domestic cycle, improve the status and level of the international cycle, smooth the domestic and international dual cycles, and seize the initiative in high-quality development. Only by achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength can we provide key leverage points, main support systems, and new growth spaces for building a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development. We can firmly rely on the latest achievements of scientific and technological innovation to drive "connotative" growth and solidly implement the high-quality development goals of practicing the new development philosophy.

　　High-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength are key measures to respond to major risks and challenges. In today's world, unprecedented changes unseen in a century are accelerating, economic globalization is encountering headwinds, regional conflicts are erupting one after another, the international power balance is undergoing profound adjustments, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. The level of scientific and technological innovation has become a key variable affecting the strategic game among stakeholders. Facing a complex external environment, problems such as excessive foreign dependence of some high-end industrial chains in China and control over some key core technologies by others constantly warn us that scientific and technological self-reliance and strength are not only development issues but also survival issues. Grasping the trends and opportunities of this historic great change requires efficiently coordinating development and security, unswervingly taking the realization of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength as the foundation of national prosperity and security, insisting on scientific and technological innovation as the strategic cornerstone and key force for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, accelerating the construction of a strong technological foundation for high-quality development, ensuring the security and stability of industrial and supply chains, and firmly holding the initiative of development in our own hands.

　　On the new journey, we focus on leveraging the leading role of national laboratories, the institutionalized organization role of national research institutions, the main force role of high-level research universities, and the roles of technology-leading enterprises as "problem proposers," "problem solvers," and "evaluators." The picture shows the lunar dust chamber of the space environment ground simulation device at Harbin Institute of Technology on April 6, 2023. Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Song/photograph

　　High-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength are the inevitable choice to seize the major opportunities of the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. Historically, every revolutionary breakthrough in the field of science and technology has triggered major adjustments in productivity, production relations, and the international landscape. Currently, the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating, with significant changes in research paradigms. The new generation of information technology led by artificial intelligence promotes the cross-integration of multiple frontier technology fields, resulting in multi-point breakthroughs and chain-like changes advancing simultaneously. The breadth, depth, speed, and precision of scientific and technological innovation continue to deepen, global scientific and technological innovation has entered an unprecedentedly intensive and active period, the innovation chain is more agile, disruptive innovations continuously emerge, and countries compete to layout new fields and new tracks, with unprecedentedly fierce competition around future technological high points. We must keenly grasp and make good use of the opportunities of the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, comprehensively enhance strategic planning and rapid response capabilities for scientific and technological innovation, seize the commanding heights of future development, take the lead in global scientific and technological competition, and truly transform scientific and technological innovation, this key variable, into the greatest increment for high-quality development.

　　2. China's important achievements in scientific and technological innovation have laid the material and technical foundation for high-quality development.

　　In the past decade of the new era, with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core of the Party Central Committee, innovation has been upheld as the core position in China's modernization construction overall layout. Scientific and technological self-reliance and strength have been taken as the strategic support for national development. China's scientific and technological undertakings have focused on the "Four Orientations," intensified efforts, accelerated leaps, and achieved historic, overall, and structural major changes, attaining historic achievements. The innovation-driven development strategy has been deeply implemented, national strategic scientific and technological forces have rapidly grown, major scientific and technological achievements have emerged rapidly, scientific and technological system reforms have advanced deeply, and national scientific and technological strength has leapt to a new level. In 2022, total social R&D expenditure exceeded 3 trillion yuan for the first time, R&D intensity reached 2.55%, breakthroughs were made in a batch of key core technologies, strategic emerging industries grew stronger, national strategic scientific and technological forces took new steps, the global innovation index ranking rose to 11th, and China successfully entered the ranks of innovative countries. China's position and role in the global scientific and technological innovation landscape have changed, being not only an important participant in the global forefront of scientific and technological innovation but also an important contributor to jointly solving human destiny and development issues.

　　Scientific and technological innovation provides more source supply for high-quality development. Adhering to the dual approach of goal-oriented and free exploration, investment in basic research has continued to increase, and original innovation capability has been continuously enhanced. A batch of major original achievements with international influence have been made in frontier fields such as quantum information, stem cells, brain science, and brain-like chips. Strategic "new track" layouts have been strengthened, with frontier fields such as artificial intelligence and mobile communications keeping pace with the world's advanced levels. Supercomputing continues to maintain a leading advantage, and quantum computing prototype machines "Jiuzhang" and "Zuchongzhi" have been successfully developed. A number of major scientific and technological infrastructures with international first-class standards, such as the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope and the Spallation Neutron Source, have been built and play important roles. Strategic high technology demonstrates national strength, with major breakthroughs in manned spaceflight, Chang'e lunar exploration, Tianwen Mars exploration, artificial sun, Beidou navigation, and 10,000-meter sea trials firmly occupying the technological high ground in deep space, deep sea, and other fields.

　　Scientific and technological innovation strongly supports the construction of a modern industrial system. Deploy the innovation chain around the industrial chain and layout the industrial chain around the innovation chain, coordinating all links in the full chain including basic research, applied basic research, technological innovation, achievement transformation, industrialization, and marketization, injecting strong vitality into building a modern industrial system. Promote breakthroughs in the modernization of traditional industries and the cultivation of strategic emerging industries through tackling key core technologies. Domestic large aircraft have achieved market operation, a 600 km/h high-speed maglev test vehicle has rolled off the line, high-speed rail construction has set an international benchmark, and technologies such as high-performance equipment, intelligent robots, additive manufacturing, and laser manufacturing have strongly propelled "Made in China" to a higher level. Support major engineering construction, effectively implement major science and technology projects, and provide key technologies and equipment for a number of major projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and the Sichuan-Tibet Railway. Strongly ensure national energy security, with clean and efficient coal utilization, new nuclear power, and ultra-high voltage transmission leading the world; photovoltaic and wind power installed capacity as well as energy storage and hydrogen production scale rank first globally; the "Deep Sea No. 1" has achieved 1500-meter ultra-deepwater oil and gas field development capability. Provide application scenarios for new products and technologies, with 5G achieving large-scale application first, new energy vehicle production and sales ranking first in the world for eight consecutive years, optoelectronic technology driving an industry scale accounting for nearly half of the global market, and artificial intelligence technology applications occupying nearly 30% of the global market.

　　The photo shows, on April 26, 2023, visitors photographing the "Jiuzhang" photonic quantum computing prototype model at the 2nd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair. The theme of this fair is "Promoting the deep integration of innovation chain, industrial chain, capital chain, and talent chain to improve the level of scientific and technological achievement transformation and industrialization." Xinhua News Agency reporter Huang Bohan/Photo

　　Scientific and technological innovation strongly guarantees the people's high-quality living standards. Support the construction of a Beautiful China, fight the tough battle against pollution, build 11 national sustainable development agenda innovation demonstration zones, achieve "desert retreat and population advance" globally first, make new progress in science and technology support for carbon peak and carbon neutrality actions, and contribute China's efforts to global green development. Over 200 technological achievements from the "Science and Technology Winter Olympics" have been transformed and applied, achieving significant economic and social benefits. Continuous breakthroughs in key core agricultural technologies such as land, staple food crops, and seed industry strongly ensure national food security. Deeply implement the science and technology commissioner system, with over 900,000 science and technology commissioners working at the grassroots rural frontlines to assist rural revitalization and development. Support the construction of Healthy China, continuously carry out emergency scientific research tackling key areas such as COVID-19 tracing, disease treatment, vaccine and drug development, and have won a successful scientific and technological battle against the epidemic. Focus on key areas and clinical specialties such as cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory and metabolic diseases, establish 50 national clinical medical research centers, and continuously improve the technology system for early detection, early screening, early diagnosis, and early treatment. Break the monopoly of foreign patented drugs in cancer, leukemia, and drug-resistant bacteria prevention and treatment. A batch of domestically produced high-end medical equipment and instruments such as heavy ion accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging, color ultrasound, and CT have been put into use.

　　Scientific and technological innovation leads and drives high-quality regional development. Relying on the globally influential science and technology innovation centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, build a demonstration zone with the highest degree of openness, strongest innovation vitality, and richest scientific and talent achievements, radiating and driving the further enhancement of innovation capabilities in regions such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pan-Pearl River Delta. Hong Kong-Shenzhen-Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai-Suzhou rank 2nd, 3rd, and 6th among global science and technology clusters respectively. A batch of replicable and promotable experiences have been formed in comprehensive innovation reform pilot zones, innovative provinces, and city construction. The innovation capabilities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin have steadily increased, regional collaborative innovation development has been deeply promoted, and new steps have been taken in cross-regional innovation cooperation among eastern, central, and western regions. Science and technology aid to Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, Ningxia, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, and Guizhou strongly supports innovation in western regions, science and technology empowerment for revitalizing Northeast China is effectively implemented, and cooperation between Northeast China and innovative cities along the southeast coast continues to deepen.

　　The fundamental system supporting scientific and technological innovation has basically been established. The Science and Technology Progress Law has been revised and implemented, 143 science and technology system reform tasks have been completed with high quality, and substantial progress and remarkable results have been achieved in reforms of key areas and critical links. National major science and technology decision-making consultation, science and technology ethics governance, and scientific research integrity systems operate effectively. Project management systems such as "listing the problem and appointing the leader" and "horse racing" have been implemented, promoting reform of research funding management centered on trust and performance. Continuously optimize policies such as high-tech enterprise recognition and tax incentives on technology transfer income, raising the additional deduction ratio of R&D expenses for technology-based SMEs and manufacturing enterprises to 100%. Improve the full-chain talent cultivation mechanism for scientific and technological innovation, cultivate and foster leading talents in major scientific and technological tasks, and support young scientific and technological talents to take on important roles and responsibilities. Implement distribution policies oriented towards increasing knowledge value, deepen the "three evaluations" reform, carry out "burden reduction" actions, and expand the autonomy of innovation entities. Prosper innovation culture, vigorously promote the spirit of scientists, and form a good social environment that encourages, supports, and participates in innovation.

　　III. Open up new fields and new tracks for high-quality development with high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, shaping new momentum and new advantages.

　　Facing the new era and new journey, the Party Central Committee established the Central Science and Technology Commission, fully leveraging the political advantage of the Party's leadership and the institutional advantage of concentrating efforts to accomplish major tasks. With the new national system for science and technology overall planning the entire science and technology cause, new and higher requirements are put forward for scientific and technological innovation work. The mission of scientific and technological innovation work is glorious and the responsibility is heavy. The scientific and technological community and the vast number of scientific and technological workers must unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, resolutely implement the Party's leadership in all fields, aspects, and links of the science and technology cause, be determined to overcome difficulties, promote scientific and technological innovation to actively lead economic and social development, create endogenous power for economic growth, industrial upgrading, and improvement of people's livelihood, provide strong scientific and technological support for quality transformation, efficiency transformation, and power transformation, and make new and greater contributions to achieving high-quality development.

　　Closely focus on the strategic goal of high-quality development and strengthen the overall coordination of scientific and technological work. Strengthen the Party Central Committee's centralized and unified leadership over scientific and technological work, and do a good job in top-level design and overall coordination of scientific and technological work. Strengthen strategic planning and coordination, scientifically deploy science and technology development strategic goals, major policies, major projects, medium- and long-term and annual work arrangements, drawing a blueprint to the end. Strengthen the overall coordination of scientific and technological innovation resources, continuously increase coordination efforts in innovation subjects, innovation resources, and innovation environment, strengthen the coordination of science and technology funds, talent teams, and scientific research infrastructure, and improve the overall efficiency of the national innovation system. Strengthen the coordination of science and technology policies, focus on scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, refine and implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and deployments on scientific and technological work into specific policy measures, and form a systematic and complete science and technology policy system.

　　Strengthen the national strategic science and technology forces and enhance the driving force for high-quality development. Facing national strategic needs and long-term development, focus on major innovation fields, accelerate the construction of national laboratories and the reorganization of national key laboratories, optimize the positioning and layout of national research institutions, high-level research universities, and leading technology enterprises, improve the national science and technology infrastructure platform system, and establish a collaborative mechanism for national strategic science and technology forces to perform their duties, complement each other's advantages. Emphasize the leading role of national laboratories, the institutionalized organization role of national research institutions, the main force role of high-level research universities, and the roles of leading technology enterprises as "problem proposers," "problem solvers," and "evaluators." Strengthen the dominant position of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation, support enterprises to participate more broadly in major national scientific research tasks, improve the transformation and industrialization level of scientific and technological achievements, and lay a solid scientific and technological foundation for promoting high-quality development.

　　Implement major scientific research project breakthroughs to ensure the autonomy and controllability of industrial and supply chains. Strengthen the prospective, strategic, and systematic layout of basic research, and organize the advancement of strategically guided systematic basic research, frontier-oriented exploratory basic research, and market-oriented applied basic research. Accelerate the tackling of key core technologies, focusing on solving major scientific and technological issues that affect and restrict the overall and long-term interests of national development, fundamentally ensuring the security of China's industry, economy, and nation. Speed up the research and application promotion of frontier technologies such as new energy, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, green low-carbon, and quantum computing, forming a new model driven by scenarios to promote scientific research breakthroughs, achievement transformation, and industrial cultivation, accelerating the creation of new economic growth points. In response to the strategic needs of national development, accelerate the launch and implementation of the "Science and Technology Innovation 2030—Major Projects" to form a future-oriented science and technology innovation strategic layout.

　 　Enhance the ability of regional innovation to radiate and drive development, creating a highland for high-quality development. Closely focus on the country's major regional development strategies, coordinate the advancement of international science and technology innovation centers and regional science and technology innovation centers, using key points to drive the overall area, promoting more localities to accelerate the path of innovation-driven development. Leverage the leading role of the three major national science and innovation centers, gather world-leading scientific frontier fields and emerging industry technology innovations, and global science and technology innovation elements, promote the high-quality development of national self-innovation zones and high-tech zones, and build an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem with international leading standards. Improve cross-regional collaborative innovation mechanisms, strengthen industrial and resource docking, achieve complementary advantages and regional coordination.

　　Deepen the reform of the science and technology system, creating a favorable innovation ecological environment. Deepen the reform of the allocation and use of fiscal science and technology funds, increase diversified science and technology investment, and improve the efficiency of science and technology investment. Solidly promote the implementation of reforms in science and technology evaluation, rewards, and incentives. Adhere to the essence of innovation-driven being talent-driven, focus on cultivating top innovative talents, accelerate the construction of national strategic talent forces, stimulate the innovation vitality and potential of various talents, and cultivate a high-quality scientific and technological talent team that is dedicated to the country, serves the people, and bravely climbs new heights. Promote the spirit of scientists throughout society and foster a good academic atmosphere.

　　Build a high-level science and technology open cooperation system, gathering global innovation and development resources. Actively integrate into the global innovation network, implement a more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial, and shared international science and technology cooperation strategy, continuously enhancing independent scientific and technological innovation capabilities to solidify the foundation of international cooperation. With a more open mindset and measures, continuously expand the depth and breadth of international science and technology cooperation, transform China's scientific and technological strength into influence in global innovation governance, and enhance discourse power in the formulation of global innovation rules. Build a globally leading new technology and new industry standards system, promote more Chinese industrial technology standards to become global common standards. Accelerate leading and organizing international big science plans and big science projects, contributing "Chinese wisdom" to solving global problems. Strengthen the construction of an internationalized research environment, creating an open innovation ecosystem with global competitiveness.

　　Author: Wang Zhigang, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology

　　Source: "Qiushi" 2023/16