Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday called for realizing self-reliance in science and technology at a high level and improving the ability of innovation-driven development.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made an inspection tour in the eastern province of Anhui on Friday.
Li first visited two research institutions, where he learned about the progress of scientific research in key areas. He underscored the importance of foresightedness in scientific and technological development, and pointed out the importance to gain an upper hand in accurately grasping the dynamics and tendencies of sci-tech development at the forefront.
He emphasized the need to leverage the traction role of national sci-tech strategies, and constantly scale up investment in basic research.
Li called for bold breakthroughs in deepening the reform of the sci-tech system, and building platforms for industries, universities, research institutes, and end-users to have closer collaboration, so as to better transform scientific and technological achievements into tangible productive forces.
Noting it is imperative to focus on the role of talent as the first resource, Li called for efforts to nurture and attract the best minds in every possible way, and create better conditions for them to devote themselves to scientific research.
When visiting local companies, Li said it is necessary to give full play to the role of enterprises as the main body of innovation, thus creating an ecological environment conducive to the innovation and development of enterprises.
Efforts should be made to gather various resources and support enterprises in enhancing their core competitiveness, Li said.
He stressed to consolidate the foundation of the modern industrial system of traditional manufacturing while accelerating digital transformation to promote the technological upgrading and make it higher-end, smarter, and more eco-friendly.
Li also urged Anhui to deepen scientific and technological and industrial innovation, foster new drivers of growth, and make greater progress on promoting high-quality development.