China is transforming its scientific development system by focusing more on innovation in a bid to make breakthroughs in developing advanced technologies and science.

Vice minister of science and technology, Cheng Jinpei, is working on a blueprint that will guide the development of innovation in scientific research in China over the next 15 years.     

"The State Medium- and Long-Term Development Program Regarding Science and Technology, is basically finished," said Cheng, while addressing a recent annual academic meeting of leading chemical, metallurgical scientists with the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The meeting was held in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province.

If China is to become a world leader in science and technology it must pursue a development strategy based on innovation, said Cheng

The strategic blueprint which has been worked on since 2003 calls for a scientific development program and the establishment of a national innovative network that will bring big changes to scientific research institutions

Cheng says it's time for China to take the initiative and help promote innovation which might lead to its own scientific breakthroughs in key technologies.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2005)