The importance of independent innovation has been recognized by the Chinese Government and the public. The 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) sets the enhancement of China’s capability of independent innovation and the creation of an innovation-driven growth mode as the national strategy that is required to be integrated into every aspect of society. “Independent innovation” was also a key word in Premier Wen Jiabao’s report on government work at the recent session of the National People’s Congress, the top legislature, and the most discussed expression during the meeting.

This is the first time in Chinese history that such great importance has been attached to scientific and technological innovation. It is a lesson drawn from historical experience and a must for the country’s sustainable development in the future.

China has a civilization spanning more than 5,000 years. The ancient Chinese people created splendid cultures, and the “four great inventions”--the compass, gunpowder, printing and papermaking--are something we are still proud of. Ancient China’s national strength and people’s wealth reached a peak in the seventh century.

However, starting from the 15th century, China’s national strength declined rapidly, resulting in a huge development gap and lack of know-how in the 19th century compared with industrialized countries in the West. Apart from the country’s outdated feudal system and mentality, the lack of independent scientific and technological innovation capability brought about the economic gap. China at that time could only lag behind other countries as an agricultural society, due to a poor and ailing economy.

Historical experience indicates that scientific and technological innovation is closely related to national prosperity and wealth. Currently, the world is undergoing a tremendous science and technology boom with ever-fiercer scientific and economic competition. China must strive hard to develop its science and technology so as to pursue peaceful development. Furthermore, China should develop core technologies of its own to support its national industry and economic development. If it is merely content with the role of “the world’s factory,” it will be difficult for China to reach the goal of doubling its 2000 GDP (gross domestic product) volume in 2010.

The upcoming two decades are a period of strategic opportunities. Whether China can become an innovation-oriented society in 15 years depends on how much emphasis it places on R&D, as well as relevant policies, and what it actually does.

Therefore, it is paramount to raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of scientific and technological innovation. The Chinese people should no longer be immersed into their glorious past but must ask themselves a question: Why did we lag behind other countries in the past 500 years? At the same time, it is harmful to underestimate our ability to innovate.

One thing is very important: We can only succeed if we are open to the world. China is promoting independent innovation, but that does not mean that it refuses any assistance from other countries. On the contrary, China will need more cooperation and support from the international community in its pursuit of independent innovation.

In 2006, the Chinese Government will spend more than 71.6 billion yuan on scientific and technological innovation, up 19.2 percent from the previous year. Given the substantial number of Chinese scientific and technological personnel as well as an emerging environment for independent innovation, it will become the path that China will follow in its modernization drive.