The external environment for the development of major scientific innovations is taking shape in China, Zhou Guangzhao, president of China Association for Science and Technology, said on December 7.

He said that China might make scientific findings which are on a par with developed countries if the talents of Chinese scientists can be brought into full play.

Zhou delivered a speech on the situation and the trend of scientific development in China to officials at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing on December 7.

He said that China has increased the fund for scientific research and development and is improving the system for the cultivation, selection and introduction of outstanding scientific personnel.

The opening-up policy and the stable political situation, along with the general trend to respect knowledge and talented people, will also contribute to a better environment for scientific development, he said.

Zhou suggested that Chinese scientists should find new research goals and explore the way to realize them instead of following the paths of their foreign counterparts.

Special strategies should be worked out to make full use of the country's advantages in scientific resources to achieve scientific goals which lead other countries in the world, he said. (Xinhua)