China's science and technology sector achieved unprecedented growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), with Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun announcing landmark progress in innovation capabilities and global competitiveness at a Thursday press conference.
Record-Breaking R&D Investment
National research spending surged to 3.6 trillion yuan ($506 billion) in 2024, marking a 48% increase since 2020. With R&D intensity reaching 2.68% – surpassing EU averages – China now leads the world in both research personnel numbers and international patent applications.
Breakthroughs in Basic Research
Basic research funding grew by over 70% to 249.7 billion yuan ($35.7 billion), supporting China's five-year streak as global leader in high-impact scientific publications. This investment fuels advancements in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
Strategic Innovation Hubs Emerge
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei cluster, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have become global innovation powerhouses. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou corridor now tops the World Intellectual Property Organization's global innovation cluster rankings.
Global Standing Transformed
China's innovation capability ranking jumped from 14th to 10th globally since 2020, driven by strengthened national laboratories and enhanced corporate-academic collaboration. "We're building concrete foundations for technological self-reliance and global leadership," Minister Yin stated.
