May 30, 2023 marked the seventh National Science and Technology Workers' Day in China. Science and technology workers have been enjoying improved working conditions and better support from the government during their work toward innovation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of building an evaluation system for sci-tech personnel that is oriented toward innovation, capability and contribution, when he chaired the 26th meeting of the central commission for deepening overall reform in Beijing on June 22, 2022.
In December 2022, Xi's words were turned into government policies, as the Ministry of Science and Technology released a working plan for the trial of the new evaluation system, which no longer depends only on sci-tech workers' papers, professional title, education background or awards.
Xi further emphasized the importance of sci-tech talents during the the third group study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on February 21, 2023.
He urged support for various basic research talent programs to be strengthened, adding that strategic scientists should be trained and used, young sci-tech talent should be supported to play a key role, and leading sci-tech and innovative talent teams should be continuously expanded.
He said that it is essential to improve the style of study and work in the scientific research field; and called for adhering to the path of independent training for basic research talent, optimizing the basic discipline education system, and giving full play to the leading role of colleges and universities in the training of basic research talent.
Over the past 10 years, China's sci-tech strength has grown along with the development of the country's economic strength, becoming a driving force for Chinese modernization.
The cumulative R&D investment in Chinese society has increased three times from 1 trillion yuan (about $144 billion) in 2012 to 3 trillion yuan in 2022.
In terms of the quantity and quality of its scientific research personnel, China has maintained the first-place globally for many years.
All in all, the Chinese government has been trying to optimize the environment of sci-tech workers, motivating them to unleash their talent and build a more innovative China.
The National Science and Technology Workers' Day was set up by the Chinese government in 2016 and first celebrated in 2017. It was initiated to unite the 81 million sci-tech workers in the country and bolster innovation to build a new sci-tech power.
(Cover via CFP.)