How Could National Natural Science Foundation of China Better Guide Diversified Investment in Basic Research?

Authors

Zhengfeng LI, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China CASAD-Tsinghua University Research Center for Synergetic Development of Science and Society, Beijing 100084, ChinaFollow
Chenxiao WU, Department of Philosophy, Party School of the Central Committee of CPC(National Academy of Governance), Beijing 100091, China
Lu HUANG, School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Wei XUE, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China

Keywords

joint funds; National Natural Science Foundation of China; basic research; diversified investment

Document Type

Operation System and Management of National Natural Science Foundation of China in New Era

Abstract

It is one of the key tasks of science and technology in China to adjust the investment structure of basic research funds and accelerate the construction of multiple investment pattern. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) plays an important role in leveraging diversified investment in basic research. At present, the joint funds are the main way for NSFC to guide diversified investment in basic research in China. It is a successful exploration for NSFC to meet national needs, guide diversified investment, promote resource sharing and multilateral cooperation. Nevertheless, on the one hand, the cooperation of the joint funds is limited to state-owned organizations, institutions, and enterprises, but has not been extended to private sectors. On the other hand, the management system and operation mode cannot fully reflect the inherent property of the cooperative investment of the joint funds. Thus, it is suggested that the joint funds break through the boundary between public and private sectors in terms of management philosophy to realize the transformation to the public-private partnership (PPP) cooperation model of R&D; set up a relatively independent "Joint Funds Management Center" to improve the governance system and mechanism; establish and improve the evaluation criteria and mechanism for the utilization of results that are in line with the characteristics of the joint funds. In the new stage of development, it is necessary to solve the long-standing problem that NSFC has been unable to receive donations from society. Based on the analysis that the NSFC's acceptance of social donations is a "public trust" behavior, this study figures out that NSFC should first be given the qualification and identity to accept social donations legally and in compliance. It is suggested to set up a "China Science Fund Public Trust Center" to break through the existing institutional barriers and promote the NSFC to accept social donations.

First page

1448

Last Page

1455

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

References

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Recommended Citation

LI, Zhengfeng; WU, Chenxiao; HUANG, Lu; and XUE, Wei (2021) "How Could National Natural Science Foundation of China Better Guide Diversified Investment in Basic Research?," Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version): Vol. 36 : Iss. 12 , Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.16418/j.issn.1000-3045.20211119001
Available at: https://bulletinofcas.researchcommons.org/journal/vol36/iss12/9