In the 1970s, owning a landline telephone in China was a luxury beyond the reach of most citizens. An average worker earned merely a few hundred yuan monthly, yet installing a home phone cost an astonishing 3,000 yuan. Fast forward to 2024, the same service is available at just 100 yuan ($13.8), while average salaries have soared into the thousands. This dramatic shift is a testament to China’s remarkable journey in science and technology development.
Back in the 1970s, China depended heavily on imported telephone infrastructure. Lacking key technologies, the cost of communication was dictated by foreign tech powers. Today, China stands as a major player in the global 5G arena, with companies like Huawei and ZTE leading the industry.
China’s transformation from an underdeveloped nation to a global scientific powerhouse did not happen overnight. It is the result of strategic planning and sustained investment, anchored by the launch of the reform and opening-up policies in 1978.
Before these reforms, China grappled with economic stagnation and widespread poverty. Agriculture dominated the economy with low productivity, while the industrial sector was underdeveloped and inefficient, heavily reliant on steel and coal. The Cold War era further isolated China, limiting access to advanced technology and new knowledge from abroad.
Recognizing the critical role of science and technology in driving economic growth, China made a pivotal shift with the National Science Conference in 1978. Leaders acknowledged science and technology as a “productive force,” initiating efforts to rebuild research infrastructure, foster international collaboration, and align scientific endeavors with national development goals. In 1988, the emphasis on sci-tech was elevated with the declaration of it being the “primary productive force.”
In 1995, science was declared one of the two keys to national rejuvenation, and this commitment was reinforced in 2006 with the Outline of National Medium- and Long-term Science and Technology Development Plan (2006-2020), elevating innovation to a national strategy.
These strategic focuses yielded significant results. By the end of 2023, China’s research and development expenditure had skyrocketed over 200 times compared to 1991, reaching 3.3 trillion yuan ($460 billion). This massive investment fueled an innovation ecosystem that nurtured a scientific workforce growing ninefold to 6.35 million full-time equivalents.
The impact is evident: China’s intellectual output has soared, with over 4 million invention patents granted by the end of 2023—an 80-fold increase from 1991.
China’s journey illustrates how strategic investment in science and technology can transform a nation’s trajectory. By prioritizing research, development, and innovation, China has ascended to the ranks of global scientific leaders, reshaping its economy and global standing.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
