China moves to revise Science and Technology Popularization Law to boost public access and innovation

Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft revision to the Science and Technology Popularization Law, aiming to boost public access to science and technology knowledge. The draft, submitted on Monday to the National People's Congress Standing Committee for its first reading, marks the first update to the law since its enactment in 2002.

Since the original law's introduction, it has significantly contributed to spreading scientific knowledge, enhancing citizens' scientific literacy and fostering innovation. The 13th China Citizens' Scientific Literacy Survey shows that the percentage of citizens with strong scientific understanding rose to 14.14 percent in 2023, compared to just 1.98 percent in 2003. China now ranks 11th in the World Intellectual Property Organization's 2024 Global Innovation Index, up from 34th in 2012.

Despite these advances, challenges remain in the popularization of science. These include insufficient awareness of its importance, a lack of high-quality science content, and underdeveloped infrastructure and personnel, as highlighted by the Minister of Science and Technology, Yin Hejun. He stressed the need to amend the law to address these concerns and align with new demands in science popularization.

The draft focuses on current challenges and updates the framework, expanding from 34 articles in six chapters to 60 articles in eight chapters. The draft outlines the responsibilities of schools, strengthens support for science personnel, and focuses on ensuring better public access to science education. It introduces two new chapters specifically dedicated to science popularization activities and personnel.

The draft specifies the roles of schools in science education. Universities are encouraged to leverage their resources to provide science and technology courses and education on ethics, while primary and secondary schools should enhance their programs to foster innovation and critical thinking. Preschools are encouraged to tailor early science education to the developmental stages of young children, nurturing their curiosity.

To promote the development of the science popularization industry, the draft supports the commercialization of public science services and encourages integrating science with culture, tourism and other sectors. It also emphasizes intellectual property protection and incentivizes companies to convert their technological resources into educational tools, as well as open laboratories and production facilities to the public.

Recent years have seen a rise in scientific professionals taking the initiative to disseminate cutting-edge knowledge and provide public science services. China's science popularization workforce has grown to almost two million, with over 80 percent working on a part-time basis.

To further enhance the quality of this workforce, the draft adds a new chapter focused on building a professional science staff, encouraging retired experts to contribute, supporting colleges in developing related programs, and improving volunteer services in popular science.