electra-supply.comSince the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made three visits to Anhui, consistently focusing on technological innovation.
In April 2016, during his visit to the University of Science and Technology of China and the Advanced Technology Research Institute, he emphasized the need to “prioritize innovation as the highest policy and strive to catch up.”
In August 2020, while touring the Anhui Innovation Museum, he pointed out that “achieving leapfrog development relies crucially on innovation.”
Most recently, in October 2024, while in Hefei’s Binhu Science City, he stated, “To advance Chinese-style modernization, science and technology must take the lead; technological innovation is essential.”
These visits illustrate a steady commitment to deepening the importance of science and technology.
In all three instances, the General Secretary thoroughly examined scientific achievements, inquired about research progress, and expressed concern over foundational research. He noted in 2016, “With the current scale of our economy, relying entirely on foreign technology is not sustainable.” By 2020, he reiterated that “the most important thing is to concentrate our efforts on our own matters.” His recent remarks highlighted the need for “high-tech advancements that cannot be sought or borrowed; we must accelerate our path to high levels of technological self-reliance.”
Foundational research serves as the bedrock of technological innovation. Addressing key core technological challenges at their source is an urgent requirement in responding to international technological competition and striving for high-level self-sufficiency. The General Secretary has stressed, on multiple occasions, the importance of “consistently strengthening foundational research,” “focusing on unique and original contributions,” and “intensifying efforts in the independent research and development of key core technologies.”
During the visit to Hefei Binhu Science City, developments in quantum information, fusion energy, and deep-space exploration demonstrated Anhui’s leadership in scientific innovation, showcasing original research achievements that reflect a strong commitment to pursuing groundbreaking advancements. The General Secretary further called for “strengthening the innovation of critical common technologies, cutting-edge leading technologies, modern engineering technologies, and disruptive technologies while expanding international scientific and technological exchanges to continuously enhance our original innovation capabilities.”
Technological innovation is a key pillar of Chinese-style modernization. As this modernization effort enters a critical historical period marked by challenges and progress, the continuous enhancement of original innovation capabilities, along with a focus on original and disruptive technologies, is vital in overcoming key technological barriers, thereby strengthening China’s competitiveness and influence globally.
Furthermore, translating technological achievements into practical applications and developing new productive capacities tailored to local conditions are paramount. A noteworthy detail: in 2016, at the Advanced Technology Research Institute, the General Secretary recognized the potential of quantum communication research, describing it as “promising and very important.” Today, in Hefei Binhu Science City, numerous applications of quantum technology have already hit the market, providing cutting-edge solutions to global users.
To advance modernization, a strong tech-driven and industry-driven approach is essential. Improving the level of technology transfer is crucial for better aligning technological innovation with industrial innovation, transforming it into new productive forces. During his 2020 visit, he emphasized the need to “accelerate the conversion of technological achievements and to cultivate emerging industries.”
During this latest visit, he listened to local efforts to innovate the technological system and mechanisms while accelerating the transformation of technological achievements. He engaged warmly with researchers and industry leaders on-site, representing traditional manufacturing, emerging industries, and future industries alike. He stated, “We must accelerate technological innovation and the upgrading of industries, solidifying the foundation of our real economy, transforming and upgrading traditional industries, expanding strategic emerging industries, planning for future industries, and developing new productive capacities tailored to local conditions.”
The General Secretary’s message provided clear guidance: adapt to local conditions for developing new productive capacities to ensure that innovative technologies translate into new applications in the industry, upgrade traditional industries, nurture emerging sectors, establish future industries, and continually improve the modern industrial system to support stable economic growth and transitions.
Moreover, seeking motivation from reform and fully advancing the development of education, science and technology, and talent is essential. Technology is the primary productive force; talent is the first resource; and innovation is the primary driving force. Achieving Chinese-style modernization relies on the strategic support of technology, education, and talent.
In 2016, during discussions with personnel from the University of Science and Technology of China, the General Secretary noted that Hefei is a place that “cultivates talent,” producing many outstanding individuals and creating a fertile ground for innovation. In this recent visit, he stressed the crucial role of researchers as the backbone of advancing Chinese-style modernization and encouraged them to adopt a proactive attitude towards innovation and contributions to building a powerful scientific nation.
With support from over 50 higher education institutions, Hefei is accelerating the cultivation of research talent. A growing cohort of high-tech professionals is becoming the bedrock of technological innovation.
Experience has shown that addressing critical issues requires not only financial investment but also a focus on human capital. A strong technological nation cannot thrive without its key figures in science and technology.
Innovation relies on talent, and talent development hinges on education. Education, technology, and talent are intrinsically linked and mutually supportive. The General Secretary has repeatedly emphasized the need to “advance the interconnected development of education, technology, and talent.”
Maximizing the innovation potential of talent involves breaking through institutional mechanisms. During this visit, the General Secretary reiterated the importance of “coordinated reforms of the systems related to education, technology, and talent” and “promoting deep integration of the innovation chain, industry chain, capital chain, and talent chain.” This sends a clear signal: draw motivation from reform, enhance vitality through talent, and unleash dynamic momentum for advancing Chinese-style modernization through comprehensive system reforms.
