Strategic S&T Underpins National Development
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The role of national strategic scientific and technological forces is pivotal in shaping a country’s direction, fulfilling its needs, and representing its capabilities in research and developmentFor a nation like China, which aspires to be at the forefront of innovation and to establish itself as a global tech powerhouse, these forces are crucialThe cultivation of a new quality of productive forces hinges on harnessing the full potential of these scientific entities, allowing for the development of a new workforce, new labor materials, and innovative production relationships.
Central to this effort are the national laboratories, which serve as comprehensive research bases that integrate breakthrough initiatives, leadership roles, and platform functionalityBy strategically directing research towards pressing national needs, these laboratories can play a key role in nurturing new quality productive forces
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Grounded in foundational and interdisciplinary research, national laboratories are encouraged to explore open-ended problems that require a long-term and integrative approachThe emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration will be pivotal in yielding original and revolutionary scientific outcomes necessary for the development of new productive capacities.
Looking beyond national borders, these laboratories must also function as globally inviting platforms, attracting leading scientists from around the world to combine research effortsBy providing the right infrastructure—such as advanced instruments developed independently—and fostering a conducive academic environment, China can build robust international cooperation frameworks that solidify its technological advancements and scientific foundations.
Moreover, national research institutions must systematically address the overarching and fundamental scientific challenges that could hinder the long-term development of new productive capacities
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As significant components of the nation’s strategic scientific forces, these institutions should enhance their organizational framework while evolving their research paradigmsShifting focus towards systemic foundational research that aligns with strategic trends will facilitate the generation of groundbreaking innovations critical for the nation’s progress.
In this context, aligning basic research with national strategies and global scientific frontiers becomes paramountInstitutions are tasked to develop organized and large-scale approaches to strategically vital research, underpinning innovation with solid theoretical and technical foundationsThere is an imperative to adopt a systems-thinking approach to tackle the complexities and interdependencies present in cutting-edge science and technologyBy establishing research frameworks compatible with emerging productive forces, these institutions can position themselves as epicenters for original innovation, spearheading breakthroughs in essential technologies.
Furthermore, universities play a crucial role as leaders and connecters in the integrated development of educational science and technology
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The emergence of new productive forces is accompanied by frequent instances of “creative destruction,” which accelerates the transformation of existing disciplines and professionsThis situation highlights the necessity for a lifelong education system that effectively intertwines schooling, research, and industry practices, addressing the shifting demands of the labor market.
Leading research universities, in particular, must cultivate strategic scientists capable of steering global scientific innovations and supporting fundamental research endeavours with long-term investmentAdditionally, applied research institutions have the responsibility to foster transformative and disruptive thinking among students in engineering and technology, thereby developing a workforce characterized by exceptional skills and innovative prowessVocational schools need to refine their talent tracking and nurturing systems, keeping pace with the evolving demands for versatile and high-quality skills across industries
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Collaborating among vocational education, higher education, and continuing education will ensure a coherent and supportive structure for talent development from primary to advanced levels of education.
Equally important is the role of leading technology enterprises, which are critical to accelerating the creation of a modern industrial system rooted in the real economyBusinesses are situated at the frontier of the market, acting as both the first responders to technological demands and as the ultimate users of new scientific achievementsLeading technology enterprises possess inherent advantages such as strong R&D investments, high technical standards, and substantial talent reservesTheir capacity to consolidate innovative resources can significantly enhance regional innovation ecosystems and optimize the efficacy of the overall innovation systemAs this sector plays a vital role in overcoming common industrial challenges and raising the nation’s technological strength, it becomes central to the advancement of China’s innovation landscape and its core interests.
To maximize the impact of these enterprises, there needs to be a comprehensive strategy for their development
This includes establishing a nurturing hierarchy for technology firms, fostering the growth of high-tech enterprises, and guiding traditional companies towards a scientific orientationSupport mechanisms must facilitate the formation of significant innovation coalitions, integrating resources from universities and research institutions, thereby establishing collaborative frameworks that advance critical technological breakthroughs aligned with national interestsDeveloping a new service system driven by data and algorithms can enhance various functions such as decision-making, market forecasting, and industrial planning, consequently boosting the transition to strategic emerging industries.
Furthermore, actively promoting the optimization and upgrading of industrial and supply chains is essentialAccelerating the transformation of traditional sectors towards high-end, intelligent, and environmentally friendly operations will deepen the integration of digital technologies and the physical economy