Top political advisor highlights basic research, original innovation

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over a bi-weekly consultation session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

China's top political advisor Wang Yang stressed the significance of basic research and called for consistent improvement of the country's capabilities of original innovation.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, made the remarks on Friday at a bi-weekly consultation session of the national committee.

Basic research is the essence of science and the source of technologies, as well as the cornerstone of building a leading power in science and technology (S&T) in the world, Wang said.

Political advisors at the session addressed China's shortcomings in basic research, admitting that major problems such as the lack of original innovations, elite talent, research teams and favorable environments for research, although many achievements have been made.

Some of them asked for better proactive planning, including putting forward major national S&T projects after 2020, and suggested national laboratories lead the projects in certain areas.

They also suggested more financial support to basic research and enterprises and other social forces be encouraged to increase investment in research funds.

The reform on S&T management mechanism should be deepened to ensure that researchers can fully concentrate on their work, and research institutes have more freedom to manage and use the project funds, according to the political advisors.

They also called for the legislation on the credibility in scientific research and stronger action against academic misconduct to create a better research environment and atmosphere.