CCTV:

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Shanghai's efforts to establish itself as an international sci-tech innovation center. What kinds of breakthroughs has Shanghai made in sci-tech innovation over the past decade? What will the city do to enhance its role in driving sci-tech innovation? Thank you.

Gong Zheng:

Building Shanghai into an international sci-tech innovation center is a major national strategic task that General Secretary Xi Jinping personally planned, deployed, and promoted. Over the past 10 years, we have followed the arrangements of the central authorities, sustained the dual driving forces of sci-tech innovation and institutional innovation, and achieved significant improvements in comprehensive sci-tech strength and overall innovative efficiency. First, we have explored the frontiers of science and technology and realized several original achievements, such as the world’s first macaques cloned from somatic cells and the world’s first artificial single-chromosome eukaryotic cell. Second, in response to major national strategic demands, we have led 929 major national sci-tech projects, participating in the development of several assets of national strategic importance. These include the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, the Shenzhou manned spacecraft, the Xihe solar exploration satellite, and the Zhurong Mars rover. Third, we have concentrated on economic development, playing an important role in production of the C919 large aircraft and the first domestically made large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, and independently developed a number of major strategic products that rank among the most advanced in the world. Fourth, we have prioritized people’s lives and health and improved our capacity to research and develop innovative drugs and medical devices. Over the past 10 years, nearly one-fifth of the Class 1 innovative drugs and medical devices approved for market launch in China were developed in Shanghai.

At present, we are stepping up the transition from establishing the framework to strengthening functionality in building Shanghai into an international center for sci-tech innovation. We will thoroughly implement the arrangements and requirements of the CPC Central Committee, effectively enhance Shanghai's role as a cradle of sci-tech innovation, and strive to build the city into an important driver for developing national sci-tech strength.

First, we plan to strengthen entities engaged in innovation. Shanghai is home to over 80 national-level advanced sci-tech research platforms, many new-type research and development institutions, and more than 24,000 new high-tech enterprises. We should offer strong support for these innovative entities to grow rapidly, ensure that national laboratories and national key laboratories in Shanghai are constructed and utilized properly, improve the innovation system of high-level research universities, foster more leading sci-tech enterprises with strong creative capabilities, and quickly develop systematic strategic sci-tech strength.

Second, we aim to enhance innovation and achieve more breakthroughs. We will target cutting-edge technologies, emerging sectors, and key development trends, including the health sector, smart technologies, energy, and materials. We will take the initiative to map out major sci-tech projects. Innovation and technological breakthroughs originate from basic research. Shanghai is building itself into a pilot area for promoting basic research. We task strategic scientists with selecting, managing, tracking, and assessing talent, mainly focusing on selecting talent instead of projects and providing long-term and stable funding for outstanding scientists to advance basic research in high-risk and high-value fields.

Third, we will facilitate the transformation of sci-tech research achievements. The critical part addresses the issues involving platforms, funds, carriers, and services. We are considering establishing funds to guide sci-tech innovation and enhance coordination among various government funds set up for this purpose. This approach aims to guide more social capital to invest in early-stage companies, invest small, invest in hard technology, and invest for the long run. Meanwhile, we also plan to build several high-quality incubators, focusing on forward-looking and in-depth incubation to provide sci-tech enterprises with quality services through different stages of their development.

Fourth, we will establish networks for promoting openness and innovation. Shanghai has inaugurated the Pujiang Innovation Forum and the World Laureates Forum, among other platforms for international exchanges. We will further improve and leverage these important platforms, advance the development of the Yangtze River Delta community of sci-tech innovation, and try to be part of the global innovation network. We will also explore new paths and modes for international sci-tech exchange and cooperation and quickly shape a healthy and globally-competitive ecosystem for sci-tech innovation. Thank you.