Science a driving force for China's modernization

By Wen Jiabao

BEIJING,

Oct.31 -- The history of modernization is in essence a history of

scientific and technical progress. Scientific discovery and technological

inventions have brought about new civilizations, modern industries, and the rise

and fall of nations. China is now engaged in a modernization drive unprecedented

in the history of humankind.

Over the past half century, China has made great

achievements in basic science and technological innovation. It now ranks among

the top nations in the annual number of papers published internationally and

patent applications filed. China has also made achievements in such areas as

manned spaceflight, high-performance computers, super-large-scale integrated

circuits, and third-generation telecommunications technology. High-tech industry

has experienced rapid growth, accounting for over 15 percent of the

manufacturing industry.

Francis Bacon, the 16th-century English philosopher,

referred to science as a means to improve mankind's lot. Today, the hybrid rice

variety developed by Chinese scientists has been adopted for planting in over 3

million hectares and has become a "golden key" to meeting China's own food needs

and boosting world cereal production. Scientific and technological development

in the realm of health has also increased average life expectancy in China to

that of developed countries.

To encourage further innovation, the Chinese

government has formulated a Mid- to Long-Term Plan for Development of Science

and Technology (2006-2020), which highlights research in the basic sciences and

frontier technologies, with priority given to energy, water resources, and

environmental protection. We strive to develop independent intellectual property

rights in areas of information technology and new materials, while strengthening

the application of biotechnology to agriculture, industry, population and

health.

The future of China's science and technology depends

fundamentally on how we attract, train, and use young scientific talents today.

Thus, at the core of our science and technology policy is attracting a diverse

range of talents, especially young people, into science and providing them with

an environment that brings out the best of their creative ideas.

In the field of science and technology, we will

intensify institutional reform, restructure scientific research, rationally

allocate public resources, and enhance innovation capability. We advocate free

academic debate under a lively academic atmosphere, where curiosity-driven

exploration is encouraged and failure tolerated.

Science has no boundaries. China's endeavors in

science and technology need to be more integrated with those of the world, and

the world needs a China that is vibrant and able to deliver more in science and

technology. Just as collisions generate sparks, exchange and communication

enrich imagination and creativity. Many Chinese scientists have stepped into the

international academic arena, where they and their foreign colleagues learn from

each other and jointly contribute to the worldwide development of science and

technology.

To encourage the learning and application of science

among the general public, we need to embrace a scientific culture by promoting

scientific rationality while cherishing Chinese cultural heritage. Enlightened

by science, the rich and profound Chinese culture is bound to shine more

gloriously.

I firmly believe that science is the ultimate

revolution. At a time when the current global financial turmoil is dealing a

heavy blow to the world economy, it has become all the more important to rely on

scientific and technological progress to promote growth in the real economy.

Economic and social development must rely on science

and technology, and science and technology must serve economic and social

development. We will rely on science and technology to promote economic

restructuring, transform development patterns, safeguard food and energy

security, and address global climate change. We are confident that China will

reap a rich harvest in science and technology and that this will have positive

and far-reaching effects on human civilization and the well-being of humankind.

The author is China's premier and this article

was originally written for U.S.-based Science magazine

(Source: China Daily)