As of the 1980s, China has formulated a series of programs for
science and technology research and development, with the strategic
aim of improving China's competitiveness in science and technology
in the 21st century. The Key Technologies Resarch and Development
Program, the 863 Program and the 973 Program form the main body of
state programs for science and technology. The Spark and the Torch
programs have been important in raising China's strength in this
area.
Key Technologies Research and Development Program
The Key Technologies Research and Development Program, launched in
1982, was the biggest scientific and technological program in China
during the 20th century. Oriented toward national economic
construction, it aims to solve critical, direction-related and
comprehensive problems in national economic and social development;
it covers agriculture, electronic information, energy, transport,
materials, resources exploration, environmental protection and
medical care, and other fields. Engaging tens of thousands of
researchers in over 1,000 research institutes, the Key Technologies
Program has had the largest funding, employed the most people and
had the greatest impact on national economy of any plan to
date.
863 Program
In March 1986, the National Hi-tech Research and Development
Program (863 Program) was launched, after exhaustive examination by
scientists. The Program set 20 themes in biology, spaceflight,
information, laser, automation, energy, new materials and
oceanography. Government's role is one of macro-control and
support. The general research is decided on by scientific
discussion, and specific projects determined by a committee of
experts responsible for keeping abreast of international research
developments, and reporting annually on their own fields, so as to
set new research directions. Another distinctive feature of the
program is that its results can be quickly industrialized.
973 Program
A national key program for development of basic scientific
research, the 973 Program was launched in 1998. It mainly involves
multi-disciplinary, comprehensive research on important scientific
issues in such fields as agriculture, energy, information,
resources, population, health, and materials, providing theoretical
basis and scientific foundations for solving problems. The program
encourages outstanding scientists to carry out key basic research
in cutting-edge science and important sci-tech issues in fields
with a great bearing on socio-economic development. Representing
China's national goals, it aims to provide strong scientific and
technological support for significant issues in China's 21st
century socio- economic development.
Torch Program
Launched in August 1988, the Torch Program is China's most
important high-tech industry program and a national guideline
program. As such, it includes: organizing and putting into action a
series of development projects for high-tech products with advanced
technology levels and good economic benefits in domestic and
foreign markets; establishing high-tech industrial development
zones throughout the country; and, exploring management systems and
operation mechanisms suitable for hi-tech industrial development.
The Program mainly involves projects in new technological fields,
such as new materials, biotechnology, electronic information,
integrated mechanical-electrical technology, and advanced and
energy-saving technology.
Spark Program
Launched in 1986, the Spark Program aims to revitalize rural
economy through development and popularization of science and
technology in rural areas so as to improve the lives of the rural
population. Today, there are more than 140,000 sci-tech
demonstration projects being carried out in 90 percent of rural
areas throughout China.
