At the Bund Summit 2025, global leaders gathered along Shanghai’s historic waterfront to explore how nations can drive the next wave of innovation. In a standout moment, Slovenia’s finance minister, Klemen Boštjančič, highlighted the Chinese mainland’s rapid progress as a model for others.
“It's a big question and a challenge for us — how to connect larger investments in R&D with an innovative society — and we need to learn from China's experience and success in this,” he said in an interview with CGTN host Michael Wang.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–25), the Chinese mainland secured significant gains in science and technology, especially in artificial intelligence. From enhanced research facilities to growing talent pipelines, it showed how focused funding can fuel breakthroughs.
Looking ahead, the 15th Five-Year Plan has made innovation-driven development its cornerstone. By aligning national priorities with cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration across academia, startups, and government, the Chinese mainland is setting the stage for sustained growth.
For young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and digital nomads, these strategies offer valuable insights: strategic R&D investment can spark new industries and global partnerships. Thought leaders and policy makers can adapt these lessons to their own contexts, balancing ambition with societal impact.
As countries around the world seek to translate budgets into real-world progress, the big question remains: which elements of the Chinese mainland’s R&D playbook will inspire the next generation of global innovators?
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Must learn how China spurs innovation through R&D investments
cgtn.com
