China strengthens transformation of scientific breakthroughs into industrial power

Beijing — China is accelerating efforts to promote the commercialisation of scientific research results, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application.

Pan Xiaodong, Secretary General of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, at a press conference in Beijing on Friday (27 February), stated that the country is deepening reforms in its technology transfer mechanism.

Universities and research institutions have established more than 1,000 technology transfer agencies and jointly built more than 19,000 research and development platforms and transformation initiatives through cooperation with companies.

Significant progress has also been achieved in developing proof-of-concept verification platforms and pilot-scale testing. Twelve national technology innovation centres have built nearly 70 pilot-scale testing platforms, Pan said.

Pilot-scale testing platforms are essential for validating the technical feasibility and commercial potential of research results before large-scale industrial application.

To strengthen the role of enterprises as the main driver of innovation, China is implementing institutional measures to establish and expand leading technology companies in key industries, and encouraging these companies to increase investment in research and development.

Pan revealed that financial support for technology commercialisation has also been strengthened. Working with the People’s Bank of China and other departments, the ministry has introduced several policy packages covering venture capital, bank credit, and capital markets.

The ministry will continue to work closely with financial authorities and regulatory agencies to innovate financial services to support technology, thereby providing strong support in accelerating high-level technological independence, he said.