Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for efforts to implement the innovation-driven development strategy and strengthen hi-tech innovation to better lead the structural transformation and upgrade of economy.

Li made the remarks on Tuesday while chairing a symposium at China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

China has witnessed breakthroughs in innovation and great changes in the development pattern of science and technology since 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on November 8, 2012 when the innovation-driven development strategy was put forward, Li said. This played a vital role in promoting steady economic growth, accelerating the shift from old growth drivers to new ones and expanding employment.

He underlined the crucial role of innovation as a strong driving force for development and stressed to take advantage of talents, accelerating the construction of an innovation-oriented country and world-leading sci-tech power.

The premier also encouraged more enterprises to conduct basic researches and speed up efforts in turning innovative achievements into products. Integration and cooperation shall be achieved among research institutions, universities, enterprises and makers to further promote the mass entrepreneurship and innovation.

Relevant departments shall make efforts to provide a sound environment for sci-tech innovation and allow it to play a leading role in the development of economy and society, he added.

Li also said, "torch of innovation shall be passed on in all sectors of society, and the benefits of innovation shall be shared by all" when inspecting the Torch Center of MOST before the symposium.