National Public Science and Technology Innovation Survey Report Revealed: Top Concerns About Talent Issues
3 April 2025 路 Uncategorized 路
Source: 路 https://www.cnr.cn/tech/mxhrdt/20240914/t20240914_526903062.shtml
How does the public view China's achievements in science and technology innovation? What challenges is our country currently facing in terms of scientific and technological innovation, and what are people鈥檚 expectations for future developments in this field? On National Science Popularization Day 2024, 'The Report on Public Awareness Survey of Scientific and Technological Innovation' (hereinafter referred to as "the report") was released. The survey aimed at answering these questions.
This report is based on a questionnaire conducted by China Data Center for Social Surveys under Renmin University over several months among 3114 residents aged between 18-60 across the country, aiming to understand public awareness of scientific and technological innovation in our nation, reflect their perceptions and expectations regarding future development trends. It identifies issues and challenges faced during this process with a view towards promoting science and technology innovation and supporting national innovative system construction.
Regarding achievements in sci-tech innovations, the report shows that advancements in 5G communications, consumer internet, aerospace, and rail transit are generally recognized; however, scores for industrial Internet, artificial intelligence/big models, biomedicine are lower. As respondents' educational levels increase, their ratings tend to decrease.
In terms of contributions from different innovation entities, public recognition towards research institutes, private enterprises, universities, and government efforts in scientific research is high. Among 30 surveyed firms, Huawei, DJI (D脿ji膩ng), BYD are rated highest for sci-tech innovation contributions while Tencent, iFLYTEK, Xiaomi follow closely behind. The report attributes this to the higher R&D intensity of these enterprises; in 2023, private listed companies had an average R&D investment rate of 3.75%, surpassing market averages.
Professor Xu Xiang from School of Economics at Central University of Finance and Economics believes that due to their competitive environment, private businesses have a stronger intrinsic drive for innovation. It is necessary to further acknowledge the contributions made by entrepreneurs鈥攅specially those in the private sector鈥攖o scientific research while promoting an entrepreneurial spirit to accelerate national sci-tech progress.
Currently facing new rounds of technological revolutions and industrial transformations, driving industry innovations through science and technology not only presents historical opportunities but also multiple challenges. The report highlights that talent issues are most concerning for public opinion regarding frontier field innovation; calls for policy inclusiveness and prudence echo these concerns. 'Brain drain' and shortage of innovative talents as well as an incomplete domestic environment conducive to innovation, remain the main obstacles in China's sci-tech progress today.
Strengthening key core technology breakthroughs, enhancing scientific talent cultivation and recruitment, and improving foundational research levels are seen by respondents as top priorities for addressing these challenges. Among specific measures proposed, educational reform was most recognized with 96.31% of participants agreeing that deep reforms in education systems were necessary to better nurture innovative talents; building a new national system for sci-tech innovation鈥攄ifferent from the traditional model before economic reforms and characterized by respect for market rules and scientific development laws鈥攊s also highly supported (with 96.24%). Furthermore, maintaining international exchanges was endorsed with over 96% of respondents believing China should continue learning from other advanced countries.
'Sci-Tech Innovation requires an active government, effective markets, strong entities, and inclusive societies,' said Professor Yin Ximing, Deputy Director at the Center for Science & Technology Innovation Education Development under Beijing Institute of Technology. He emphasized that fostering internal motivation across society to innovate is crucial; activating market effectiveness while leveraging governmental roles can lead new types of productivity growth through innovation.
Based on survey results, five recommendations were proposed in the report aimed towards sci-tech development progressions. The first recommendation focuses on optimizing environments and ecosystems for scientific research by promoting integrated education-science-personnel developments. Other suggestions include reinforcing enterprises' leading role in technological innovations, advocating entrepreneurial spirits, establishing positive incentive mechanisms to honor outstanding contributions made within this field.
This report is based on a questionnaire conducted by China Data Center for Social Surveys under Renmin University over several months among 3114 residents aged between 18-60 across the country, aiming to understand public awareness of scientific and technological innovation in our nation, reflect their perceptions and expectations regarding future development trends. It identifies issues and challenges faced during this process with a view towards promoting science and technology innovation and supporting national innovative system construction.
Regarding achievements in sci-tech innovations, the report shows that advancements in 5G communications, consumer internet, aerospace, and rail transit are generally recognized; however, scores for industrial Internet, artificial intelligence/big models, biomedicine are lower. As respondents' educational levels increase, their ratings tend to decrease.
In terms of contributions from different innovation entities, public recognition towards research institutes, private enterprises, universities, and government efforts in scientific research is high. Among 30 surveyed firms, Huawei, DJI (D脿ji膩ng), BYD are rated highest for sci-tech innovation contributions while Tencent, iFLYTEK, Xiaomi follow closely behind. The report attributes this to the higher R&D intensity of these enterprises; in 2023, private listed companies had an average R&D investment rate of 3.75%, surpassing market averages.
Professor Xu Xiang from School of Economics at Central University of Finance and Economics believes that due to their competitive environment, private businesses have a stronger intrinsic drive for innovation. It is necessary to further acknowledge the contributions made by entrepreneurs鈥攅specially those in the private sector鈥攖o scientific research while promoting an entrepreneurial spirit to accelerate national sci-tech progress.
Currently facing new rounds of technological revolutions and industrial transformations, driving industry innovations through science and technology not only presents historical opportunities but also multiple challenges. The report highlights that talent issues are most concerning for public opinion regarding frontier field innovation; calls for policy inclusiveness and prudence echo these concerns. 'Brain drain' and shortage of innovative talents as well as an incomplete domestic environment conducive to innovation, remain the main obstacles in China's sci-tech progress today.
Strengthening key core technology breakthroughs, enhancing scientific talent cultivation and recruitment, and improving foundational research levels are seen by respondents as top priorities for addressing these challenges. Among specific measures proposed, educational reform was most recognized with 96.31% of participants agreeing that deep reforms in education systems were necessary to better nurture innovative talents; building a new national system for sci-tech innovation鈥攄ifferent from the traditional model before economic reforms and characterized by respect for market rules and scientific development laws鈥攊s also highly supported (with 96.24%). Furthermore, maintaining international exchanges was endorsed with over 96% of respondents believing China should continue learning from other advanced countries.
'Sci-Tech Innovation requires an active government, effective markets, strong entities, and inclusive societies,' said Professor Yin Ximing, Deputy Director at the Center for Science & Technology Innovation Education Development under Beijing Institute of Technology. He emphasized that fostering internal motivation across society to innovate is crucial; activating market effectiveness while leveraging governmental roles can lead new types of productivity growth through innovation.
Based on survey results, five recommendations were proposed in the report aimed towards sci-tech development progressions. The first recommendation focuses on optimizing environments and ecosystems for scientific research by promoting integrated education-science-personnel developments. Other suggestions include reinforcing enterprises' leading role in technological innovations, advocating entrepreneurial spirits, establishing positive incentive mechanisms to honor outstanding contributions made within this field.