Major science innovation projects set for this year

2017-03-11
chinadaily.com.cn

China will launch all 15 of its major science innovation projects this year, Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said on March 11.

Wan, speaking at a news conference in Beijing, said these projects include cutting edge technologies from quantum computers to advanced manufacturing. Planning on these projects began in 2016 and all projects will be completed by 2030, he added.

“These projects belong to key and advanced scientific fields, but they also have to be practical,” he said. “Technological innovations will guide and reform traditional industries.”

Projects such as quantum communication and computing, brain studies, and integration of space and ground information have already launched, Wan said.

The new batch of projects, such as new material, internet security, and advanced robotics, will complement and build on previous scientific achievements, Wan said.

“Different Technologies develop at a different rate, so we have to adopt a dynamic approach during planning,” he said.

By 2020, China will complete the 16 major sciences projects planned in 2006, ranging from advanced computer chips to new telecommunication technologies.

From 2011 to 2015, China invested more than 180 billion yuan ($26.1 billion) in 10 major civilian science projects. In return, these projects produced 1.42 trillion yuan in revenue, Wan said.

Companies, universities and research institutions produced more than 11,000 patents and 8,470 technology standards; 240,000 researchers participated in these major projects.

“We are drawing power from all sides, as well as the market economy, to build major scientific projects of the future,” Wan said, adding that these new technologies will improve our environment and medicine, and contribute to China’s economy and society.