Highlights of tech innovation in China's 14th Five-Year Plan

On September 18, the State Council Information Office held a press conference in Beijing to showcase achievements in science, technology, and innovation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025).

According to Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, China's total R&D investment exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan (about $507 billion) in 2024, rising 48 percent since 2020. The R&D intensity reached 2.68 percent, surpassing the EU average, with China leading globally in the number of R&D personnel.

In terms of original innovation, China achieved major breakthroughs in quantum science, life sciences, material science, and space science. For five consecutive years, China has topped the world in the number of papers published in leading international journals and in international patent applications.

In 2024, 524 mainland Chinese companies ranked among the world's top 2,000 industrial R&D investors, making up 26.2 percent of the total. The number of high-tech enterprises exceeded 500,000, an 83 percent increase from 2020, showing a strong growth in corporate innovation capacity.

At the same time, basic research has been consistently strengthened. China's funding for basic research reached 249.7 billion yuan (about $35 billion) in 2024, more than 70 percent higher than in 2020, providing strong support for original innovation.

China's national strategic scientific and technological strength continues to grow. The national laboratory system is progressing, with research institutes and research-focused universities greatly enhancing their capabilities, and leading companies emerging to promote regional innovation nationwide.

Furthermore, China has expanded its international science and technology collaborations by forming partnerships with over 160 countries and regions and signing 119 intergovernmental cooperation agreements. China has actively participated in major international science programs and projects, promoting the development of an open and globally competitive innovation ecosystem.

Yin highlighted that the 14th Five-Year Plan period marks a milestone in China's science and technology development. The country's innovation capacity has significantly increased, new productive forces have emerged, and a strong foundation has been laid for high-quality growth.

(Cover: CR450 Fuxing Electric Multiple Unit enters test phase in Beijing, China, February 15, 2025. /VCG)