Science and Technology Daily:

Before the press conference, I learned that from 2012 to 2023, the number of high-tech enterprises in Jiangxi increased from 356 to about 7,000, showcasing strong momentum. Could you please elaborate on the progress and efficiency in promoting sci-tech innovation in the province? And what are your next steps? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question, and I will invite Mr. Song Dexiong to answer it.

Song Dexiong:

Thank you for your question. Over the past three years, Jiangxi has implemented six actions to develop science and technology, driving the province's sci-tech innovation and demonstrating an upward and prosperous momentum, which can be reflected in four aspects. First, in terms of high-level platforms, Jiangxi has positively aligned with the country's strategic adjustments in science and technology, establishing eight national key laboratories, thereby maintaining its leading position in the construction of such laboratories. Second, regarding high-level talents, Jiangxi boasts more than 10 academicians and has seen a twofold increase in the number of national excellent youths in recent years. Third, in terms of high-tech enterprises, Jiangxi leads nationwide in cultivating leading high-tech enterprises and enterprises registered in the national statistical database. High-growth technology-based enterprises are thriving, with a 73.8% increase in the number of technology-based small- and medium-sized enterprises and a nearly threefold increase in the transaction volume of technology contracts. Fourth, in terms of high-quality achievements, we have achieved significant breakthroughs in areas such as the AC313 large civil helicopter, semiconductor light-emitting devices, and high-temperature superconducting heating devices. The world's largest and China's first 10,000-tonne submarine communications cable-laying vessel was launched in Jiangxi. Next, we will continue to pursue technological development, effectively promote technological innovation as the "key variable," and make it the "largest incremental factor" in boosting the high-quality development of Jiangxi.

In building an innovation chain, we will strengthen the development of strategic sci-tech forces with Jiangxi characteristics. We will strive to achieve new breakthroughs in establishing national laboratory research bases and national key laboratories in fields such as rare earths, nuclear resources, and non-ferrous metals. We will intensify original and leading sci-tech research efforts in areas such as nuclear technology applications, the low-altitude economy, and new energy storage to address key industrial technological challenges.

To strengthen our talent pipeline, we will utilize flexible recruitment mechanisms, such as case-by-case discussions and special appointment positions, to retain more academicians and national outstanding youths as chief scientists to lead major innovation platforms and R&D projects. We will continue inviting academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering and other experts to visit Jiangxi for research and field investigation, promoting the local implementation of a number of project achievements. We aim to optimize provincial high-caliber, first-class sci-tech talent cultivation programs, foster leaders for pursuing academic and technological progress in major disciplines, and attract top sci-tech talents to serve as heads of technology in enterprises above designated size. We will implement a special program for young sci-tech talents at early career stages, establish a direct support mechanism for young talents through the provincial Natural Science Foundation, and increase the proportion of young scientists leading projects. Additionally, we will focus on retaining these young talents by ensuring they can fully display and further cultivate their abilities.

In terms of policy optimization, we will simplify project management processes and establish a mechanism for due diligence and exemption from liability, allowing researchers to focus all efforts on innovation without being distracted. We will expand pilot reforms to grant researchers ownerships or long-term use rights over their on-the-job scientific and technological outputs, giving them greater decision-making power over technical issues and more control over fund allocation. This will foster enthusiasm and drive for innovation. Moreover, we will enhance the comprehensive service system for the commercialization and application of advances in science and technology, ensure effective alignment of supply and demand, and facilitate the application of more research outcomes in Jiangxi.

That's all. Thank you.