New quality forces crucial to industrial, tech transformation
New quality forces crucial to industrial, tech transformation China Daily
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Developing New Quality Productive Forces: A Report on China’s Approach
Introduction
China’s approach to economic development has undergone a significant shift in recent years. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of innovation and the development of new quality productive forces. These forces are characterized by their high-tech, high efficiency, and high-quality nature. They align with China’s new development philosophy and are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Significance of New Quality Productive Forces
New quality productive forces are better suited to China’s current stage of development and future direction. They are associated with fields that are updated with high technology and greater knowledge density. These forces align with the goal of building a modern industrial system that is smart, green, and integrated. The development of new quality productive forces is crucial for achieving high-quality development in the new era.
China’s Achievements in Economic Growth
Over the past four decades, China has achieved high-speed economic growth, meeting the material and cultural demands of its people and contributing significantly to global economic development. The Communist Party of China’s adherence to the fundamental task of liberating and developing productive forces has played a key role in this success.
The Role of Innovation
Scientific and technological innovation is the core element for developing new quality productive forces. It is crucial for promoting development, improving competitiveness, determining future potential, maintaining global position, and ensuring a voice in the field of science and technology. China has made significant investments in research and development (R&D), leading to notable achievements.
China’s Investment in R&D
According to data from the World Bank, China’s total R&D expenditure reached 3.09 trillion yuan ($426.8 billion) in 2022, making it the world’s second-largest spender on R&D. The proportion of China’s R&D expenditure in its GDP has also increased over the years. China has surpassed the United States in patent applications and has actively contributed to the development of global 5G standards.
Areas of Technological Leadership
China leads the world in various technological applications, including 5G, e-commerce, infrastructure construction, new energy vehicles, and high-speed railways. Cutting-edge research in fields such as nano-technology, cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and smart medical technology is also gaining momentum in China.
Challenges and Opportunities
While China has made significant progress in innovation, there are still challenges to overcome. China’s R&D expenditure and patent applications lag behind some developed economies. The originality of patent applications needs improvement, and China’s influence in setting international standards across industries should be strengthened. Additionally, China faces unconventional restrictive measures from some developed economies.
Strategies for Further Development
To further develop new quality productive forces, China should increase investment in scientific research and pay more attention to fundamental research. Strengthening fundamental research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the education and training of scientific talent are essential.
Cooperation and Opening-up
China should continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies, advance high-standard opening-up, and enhance international cooperation. The interplay between domestic and international markets and resources should be optimized to improve the allocation efficiency of knowledge-intensive resources and promote industrial upgrades.
The writer is president of the University of International Business and Economics, and vice-president of the China Society of World Economics.
The views don’t necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses the development of new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation, which aligns with SDG 9. It also mentions the need to enhance education and training systems for scientific and technological talent, which relates to SDG 4. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of economic development and improving competitiveness, which is connected to SDG 8.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities, and increase the number of researchers.
- Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education.
- Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The article highlights the need to increase investment in scientific research, improve technological capabilities, and support researchers, which aligns with Target 9.5. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening education systems and cultivating skilled talent, which relates to Target 4.3. Furthermore, the article discusses the role of innovation in achieving higher economic productivity, which connects to Target 8.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Total R&D expenditure as a proportion of GDP
- Indicator: Number of patent applications
- Indicator: Proportion of standard-essential patents in specific technologies
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. It highlights China’s total R&D expenditure as a proportion of GDP, which reflects the investment in scientific research and technological capabilities. The article also mentions the number of patent applications, which indicates the level of innovation and originality. Additionally, it refers to the proportion of standard-essential patents in specific technologies, which demonstrates China’s contribution to global standards in those areas.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities, and increase the number of researchers. | Total R&D expenditure as a proportion of GDP |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education. | Number of patent applications |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation. | Proportion of standard-essential patents in specific technologies |
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Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn
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