BEIJING, Oct. 31 -- The history of modernization is in essence a
history of scientific and technical progress. Scientific discovery and
technological inventions have brought about new civilizations, modern
industries, and the rise and fall of nations. China is now engaged in
a modernization drive unprecedented in the history of humankind.
Over the past half century, China has made great achievements in
basic science and technological innovation. It now ranks among the top
nations in the annual number of papers published internationally and
patent applications filed. China has also made achievements in such
areas as manned spaceflight, high-performance computers, super-large-
scale integrated circuits, and third-generation telecommunications
technology. High-tech industry has experienced rapid growth,
accounting for over 15 percent of the manufacturing industry.
Francis Bacon, the 16th-century English philosopher, referred to
science as a means to improve mankind's lot. Today, the hybrid rice
variety developed by Chinese scientists has been adopted for planting
in over 3 million hectares and has become a "golden key" to meeting
China's own food needs and boosting world cereal production.
Scientific and technological development in the realm of health has
also increased average life expectancy in China to that of developed
countries.
To encourage further innovation, the Chinese government has
formulated a Mid- to Long-Term Plan for Development of Science and
Technology (2006-2020), which highlights research in the basic
sciences and frontier technologies, with priority given to energy,
water resources, and environmental protection. We strive to develop
independent intellectual property rights in areas of information
technology and new materials, while strengthening the application of
biotechnology to agriculture, industry, population and health.
The future of China's science and technology depends fundamentally
on how we attract, train, and use young scientific talents today.
Thus, at the core of our science and technology policy is attracting a
diverse range of talents, especially young people, into science and
providing them with an environment that brings out the best of their
creative ideas.
In the field of science and technology, we will intensify
institutional reform, restructure scientific research, rationally
allocate public resources, and enhance innovation capability. We
advocate free academic debate under a lively academic atmosphere,
where curiosity-driven exploration is encouraged and failure
tolerated.
Science has no boundaries. China's endeavors in science and
technology need to be more integrated with those of the world, and the
world needs a China that is vibrant and able to deliver more in
science and technology. Just as collisions generate sparks, exchange
and communication enrich imagination and creativity. Many Chinese
scientists have stepped into the international academic arena, where
they and their foreign colleagues learn from each other and jointly
contribute to the worldwide development of science and technology.
To encourage the learning and application of science among the
general public, we need to embrace a scientific culture by promoting
scientific rationality while cherishing Chinese cultural heritage.
Enlightened by science, the rich and profound Chinese culture is bound
to shine more gloriously.
I firmly believe that science is the ultimate revolution. At a
time when the current global financial turmoil is dealing a heavy blow
to the world economy, it has become all the more important to rely on
scientific and technological progress to promote growth in the real
economy.
Economic and social development must rely on science and
technology, and science and technology must serve economic and social
development. We will rely on science and technology to promote
economic restructuring, transform development patterns, safeguard food
and energy security, and address global climate change. We are
confident that China will reap a rich harvest in science and
technology and that this will have positive and far-reaching effects
on human civilization and the well-being of humankind.
The author is China's premier and this article was originally
written for U.S.-based Science magazine
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"World-thread" group.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/world-thread?hl=en
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
