Research and Innovation background
China’s approach to research and innovation (R&I) is guided by several key strategy documents:
- National Innovation-Driven Development Strategy: The 2016 National Innovation-Driven Development Strategy outlines China’s commitment to becoming an innovation-led economy. The strategy identifies priority industries, including transport, for indigenous innovation, with ambitious goals to position China as a global leader in science and technology by 2050.
- Outline for Building China’s Strength in Transport: The 2019 strategy envisions China as a global transport superpower by 2050. It promotes the modernisation of the transport sector, prioritising intelligent, green, and integrated transport systems.
- National Comprehensive Three-dimensional Transportation Network Planning Outline: Complementing the 2019 Outline, this plan aims to construct a modern, multi-dimensional transport network by 2035, focusing on sustainable infrastructure and digital innovation in transport.
- 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025): Aligned with broader strategies, this plan promotes innovation-driven growth, enhancing self-reliance in critical technologies, including transport.
- Made in China 2025 strategy: This strategy, published in 2015, seeks to position China as a leader in high-tech sectors by 2025. Emphasising reduced reliance on foreign technologies, it focuses on enhancing domestic capabilities across industries, including transport manufacturing and innovation.
China’s national innovation system is coordinated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, which works with relevant government departments to improve incentive mechanisms for technological innovation.
Institutional framework of transport research
China’s R&I framework is supported by a network of ministries, advisory bodies, and key institutions responsible for coordinating and implementing national innovation policies, including transport innovation.
- Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST): Oversees China’s national innovation system, coordinating closely with relevant government departments to improve incentive mechanisms for technological innovation and infrastructure planning.
- Ministry of Education (MOE): The MOE is another key ministry involved in the management of the national innovation system. They manage research funding and institutional support for educational and R&D institutions.
- Development Research Centre (DRC): A state agency responsible for policy research, strategy review and consulting on the economic and social development of mainland China.
- Counsellor’s Office of the State Council : Advises the government on national affairs.
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS): Acts as the national scientific think-tank, providing advisory and appraisal services on the national economy, social development, and science and technology progress.
- Ministry of Transport: Implements and supports transport innovation strategies.
- National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC): Manages infrastructure planning, supporting projects in sustainable projects in sustainable and intelligent transport.
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
China’s R&I funding and support framework includes various national programmes and international collaborations focused on advancing transport technology and innovations:
- National Natural Science Fund: Administered by the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), this fund supports both basic and applied research, primarily in natural sciences.
- National S&T Major Projects (Megaprojects): 16 programmes addressing major key products, technologies and engineering of strategic importance for the country’s economy and industrial competitiveness. This funding stream is particularly relevant for transport research.
- National Key R&D Programmes (NKPs): It incorporates several previously existing programmes for basic research. It supports R&D in areas of social welfare and people’s livelihood, such as agriculture, energy and resources, environment, health.
- Technology Innovation Guidance Funds: These funds invest in priority and strategic areas through venture capital funds, private equity, and risk compensations.
- Bases and Talents Programme: aims to promote the establishment of scientific bases, and the fostering of top innovative talents and teams by supporting their research activities.
- Horizon Europe: The biggest EU research and innovation programme with nearly €96 billion of funding available over 7 years (2021 to 2027). It is open to applicants worldwide, which means that China can participate in most calls.
In addition to main these funding streams, there are several additional thematic funding programmes that are managed by Ministries of the respective sector. There are also additional local funding programmes that generally target local actors and international cooperation.
(Last updated: 05/11/2024)