China to accelerate push for science and technology self-reliance in 2026: draft govt work report

China will accelerate efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology in 2026, according to a draft government work report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation.

The draft work report emphasized the importance of boosting innovation capacity and providing the scientific and technological foundation necessary for the country's high-quality development.

China plans to leverage its national resources to make breakthroughs in core technologies across key fields. It aims to implement major science and technology projects and enhance planning for strategic and frontier sectors to foster original advances. The share of research and development spending on basic research will be increased to ensure long-term and stable support.

The country intends to build its strength in strategic science and technology by reforming research institutes and coordinating the development of national laboratories with major science and technology programs. It also aims to promote scientific and technological literacy among the public.

China seeks full integration between technological and industrial innovation, including developing Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into international centers for scientific and technological innovation. The draft work report highlights the role of enterprises in innovation and supports leading high-tech companies in forming innovation consortia and undertaking major national projects.

Efforts will be made to develop pilot-scale testing platforms, improve intellectual property protection in emerging fields, accelerate the application of technological advances, and enhance financial services for innovation.

The draft work report also stresses the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent. It calls for sound mechanisms to boost coordination across development plans and suggests aligning talent training programs with economic and social needs. Reforms in higher education institutions will advance on a categorized basis, with adjustments to academic disciplines and majors as needed.

New initiatives will be launched to develop world-class universities and academic disciplines, build national centers for interdisciplinary studies, and cultivate top-tier homegrown innovators.

China encourages the development of diverse talent and plans to foster professionals with strategic expertise, attract top scientists and young talent, and train outstanding engineers and skilled workers. The country will promote high-standard development of talent hubs and platforms, deepen reforms for talent development, establish a sound assessment system, and facilitate talent flows.