On December 22, 2025, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress began deliberating a new State Council report that outlines a comprehensive plan to accelerate the application of scientific and technological achievements in the Chinese mainland.
The report, covering progress since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), highlights a dramatic surge in the transformation of research and development into economic power:
- Tech contract value rose from 2.83 trillion yuan in 2020 to 6.84 trillion yuan in 2024, a 141.7% jump.
- High-tech manufacturing output rose 42% in 2024 compared to 2020.
- Frontier fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology have emerged as new growth engines.
- Enterprises now account for over 77% of total R&D spending and hold 73.7% of valid domestic invention patents.
According to the report, this momentum has driven the optimization and upgrading of traditional industries, while strategic emerging sectors continue to expand. A robust policy framework is now in place, with laws and regulations steadily improving and incentives established to support the transformation of lab results into market-ready products.
Looking ahead, the Chinese mainland aims to deepen the integration of scientific, technological and industrial innovation through pilot zones for tech-driven development, streamlined approval processes and enhanced collaboration between research institutions and private enterprises.
For entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts worldwide, these developments signal fresh opportunities in the Chinese mainland's evolving market. As the plan unfolds, global innovators will be watching for partnerships in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and other high-growth fields.
Reference(s):
China formulates plan for applying science and technology innovation
cgtn.com