Editorials

Investing in science

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-09 07:23

Funding for research in science and technology has been growing at a robust rate of more than 20 percent annually over the past few years. Meanwhile, China has seen more frequent and convenient international academic collaboration and exchanges.

However, two Chinese scientists recently exposed a host of problems in the country's management of research funding in the magazine Science. In their expose, they lamented that these problems pose as stumbling blocks for the country's progress in scientific and technological innovation and advancement.

A series of media reports have supported their claims, revealing that rather than financing research projects that serve the strategic interests of the country and its ambitions in science and technology, the current pattern of fund allocation does the very opposite.

China's ambition to regain innovative capabilities in the field of science and technology calls for original research. Yet the current financing regime shows little interest in original research.

Not that the government does not want original research. There are always wonderfully drafted documents highlighting trail-blazing endeavors. But the very good intentions frequently remain on paper and lips, because those in charge of the money have other considerations.

The scientists called on the public to be aware of "open secret" in the way government financing in scientific undertakings is disposed of - sound research programs are nothing compared with rapport with officials in charge. It is even more disgusting that some intellectuals and government officials collude to cheat, in the name of satisfying the country's strategic needs.

Sound management is necessary for the government's increasingly heavier investment in scientific research. It should not be managed the way it is. We have no intention to offend. But consigning it to career bureaucrats in the absence of effective oversight is extremely risky. The rampant "rent-seeking" by officials managing government funds demonstrates the severity of the problems when bureaucratic red tapes take the reins in the academic world. Cheats thrive because honest work does not win respect, and, on the contrary, liars get rewarded.

It might sound ridiculous to outsiders that some Chinese scientists busy themselves with making connections, so much so that they do not have enough time for academic studies and exchanges. But that is not far from the truth.

If the distribution of government funds earmarked for major scientific undertakings degenerates into a dirty game of courting favors from financial caretakers, it can only be a threat to our national interests.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/09/2010 page5)