Plan prod for research, high-tech and innovation

Editor's note: The Chinese Academy of Sciences has issued a plan that outlines its goals and tasks during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. An article of China Science Daily explained the key features of the blueprint. Below are excerpts of the article. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The plan focuses on three major areas of basic research, strategic high technologies and sustainable development, and identifies priorities for the academy to achieve research breakthroughs.

It emphasizes systematic efforts in science and technology innovation, targeting key fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, quantum science and technology, life sciences and biotechnology, brain-computer interfaces and controlled nuclear fusion.

It also covers strategic high-tech sectors such as optoelectronics, space technology and information technology, as well as cutting-edge interdisciplinary basic fields, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and geosciences.

The development of a tiered framework has been proposed. Under this framework, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will serve as strategic regions for sci-tech breakthroughs.

The plan aims to leverage the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence to bolster basic science, strategic high technologies, sustainable development and other key areas. By capitalizing on the academy's strengths in mathematics, computer science, control science and scientific data, the plan aims to enhance research infrastructure. It also envisions more digital, networked and smarter major science infrastructure and national field observation and research stations.

The plan includes a special initiative to transform the academy itself into a smarter entity, calling for an integrated and intelligent research administration platform to enable rapid deployment and efficient mobilization of resources for key sectors and major missions.

In alignment with China's goal to modernize its industrial system, the plan emphasizes the integration of scientific innovation with industrial needs. By targeting key sectors, regions and projects, it seeks to accelerate the translation of research outcomes into practical productive forces.

The plan highlights the importance of integrating education, science and talent development to build a robust strategic talent pool. It stresses that the academy should cultivate a diverse range of professionals, including strategic scientists, research leaders, innovative teams, young scientists and outstanding engineers. Special emphasis is placed on the development of young scientists and support for talented young people in tackling major scientific challenges.

It also proposes a tiered evaluation system suited to different forms of research work and talent growth trajectories, alongside improved income distribution rules to support collaborative research, with an aim to establish a competitive talent system that continuously drives innovation.