Promoting construction of China’s modern industrial system by “ multi-tracking” research and innovation model

Authors

Yongnian ZHENG, The Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, ChinaFollow
Lanmeng XU, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, ChinaFollow

Keywords

industrial system; basic research; applied technology; talent cultivation; institutional reform

Document Type

Deep Integration Development of Technological and Industrial Innovation

Abstract

The core of the competition between large nations during the fourth industrial revolution is centered on economic resilience, which is based on the industrial system of each nation. The key takeaway from the historical experience of industrial development in the United Kingdom and the United States is that the building of a modern industrial system must prioritize the balanced development of industries rather than concentrating solely on the financial and service sectors and ignoring the manufacturing sector, which leads to industrial hollowing-out. China ought to build a modern industrial system that possesses the five characteristics, including industry comprehensiveness, large capacity, a wide variety of economic activities, high density of economic activity, and advanced technology. The essence of building a modern industrial system is to cultivate new industries while upgrading traditional industries, both of which rely on the generation of innovative technologies. The current institutional shortcomings that hinder the realization of technological innovation in China include structural fragmentation of the talent cultivation system, bias in the definition of talent, improper design of research projects and review systems, disconnection between basic research and applied technology, lack of scientific understanding of enterprises-universities-researches integration, and over-regulation of emerging industries. To overcome these drawbacks, China should promote the establishment of a large and integrated science and technology innovation system, using a “multi-tracking” model, which consists of technology demand-led innovation, a traditional innovation mode with basic research conducted by universities and research institutions, and leveraging artificial intelligence for technology innovation. In the meantime, China should establish special science and technology innovation zones in specific geographic and functional areas and implement pilot reforms of institutional mechanisms in these zones.

First page

795

Last Page

808

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

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Recommended Citation

ZHENG, Yongnian and XU, Lanmeng (2024) "Promoting construction of China’s modern industrial system by “ multi-tracking” research and innovation model," Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version): Vol. 40 : Iss. 5 , Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1000-3045.20250418004
Available at: https://bulletinofcas.researchcommons.org/journal/vol40/iss5/5