CHINA> National
Hu highlights progress, 'large gap' in sci-tech development
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-24 11:30


The 14th academician conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the 9th academician conference of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) are jointly held and opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 23, 2008. [Xinhua]
 

LONG ROAD OF INNOVATION

Hu explained how to take the road of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics, saying the country was still, and will, for a long time, in the initial stages of socialism. This fundamental situation for the country hadn't changed, he said.

Hu stressed the country still faced a large gap with the world's advanced levels in the science and technology development. Based on that view, the 17th Party Congress proposed to increase the country's capabilities in independent innovation and build an innovative nation, which, he said, were the core for the country's development strategy and the key to increasing its comprehensive powers.

To take a road of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics, it is a must to give top priority to increasing the capabilities of independent innovation in the development of science and technology; it is a must to promote the progress and innovation in science and technology by innovating the system; and it is a must to foster a large army of innovative talented people in the country; and it is a must to encourage scientific and technological progress and innovation with an innovative culture, said Hu.

Hu called for displaying the important role of scientists and technological circles for the decision-making by the Party and the government. He called the two academies the supreme consulting agencies and the national think-tanks in science and technology. He urged them to unite and lead all scientist and technicians circles in the country.

Party committees and governments at all levels should bring these academics' role into full play by promoting their efforts to make the decision-making more scientific and democratic, he said.