President Jiang Calls for Technological Innovation

President Jiang Calls for Technological Innovation

President Jiang Zemin on Monday urged a conference of scholars in Beijing to launch a new wave of scientific and technological progress and innovation.

Jiang said efforts should be increased to carry out the strategy of revitalizing China by relying on science and education and sustainable development, build an innovation system, promote scientific and technological innovation and knowledge renewal, speed up industrialization of new and high technology, accelerate reforms of the existing scientific system and apply research results into production in the shortest possible time.

Jiang made the remarks at the Conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) held Monday in the Great Hall of the People.

People in the scientific and technological circles should carry forward the spirit of science. A spirit of seeking truth from facts and adventure will be advocated in all trades, Jiang said.

"A breakthrough has been made in science and technology around the globe. Modern science characterized by information and life science is advancing by leaps and bounds. We are confronted with rare development opportunities and grave challenges. Under the circumstance of multi-polarization and economic globalization, China must accelerate scientific progress and innovation," he said.

The role of scientists is very important in scientific and technological development, he added, stressing that the essence of science is innovation.

Jiang urged Chinese scientists to follow the world trend, firmly grasp key scientific issues which are of strategic importance to China's economic, scientific and defense development, and rely on their own best instincts.

The most important thing in persisting in Marxism is to adhere to the scientific principle and spirit of Marxism, be skilled at discovering new things as conditions change, and gain useful experience, he said.

Leading officials, especially high-ranking officials, should take the lead in studying scientific knowledge and apply it in their daily work. The officials should listen to the opinions and suggestions of scientists and engineers and take their opinions as reference before they make decisions on scientific and technical issues, Jiang said.

Scientific development requires training of a large contingent of young technical personnel, and leading officials should create favorable conditions for them, he added.