Reform needed to boost research applications

Generally speaking, a strong supply capacity is an important prerequisite for economic development. Likewise, the stronger the nation's capacity for innovation, the more solid its foundation for realizing Chinese modernization and the greater its momentum for progress. For universities, the two key drivers of innovation are the successful application of scientific and technological achievements in industry, and the cultivation of top-tier talent.

However, challenges remain, including the low commercialization rate of research results into industrial and commercial applications, as well as an insufficient pipeline of high-caliber talent. In order to promote the transformation of scientific and technological advancements into real-world industry applications — and to develop top talent into a new driving force for productivity — it is essential to implement the "three musts and two changes".

The "three musts" primarily focus on the commercialization of technological achievements. In general, scientific and technological research in universities tend to have a relatively low level of maturity (only about 7 percent reach the engineering stage), and the path to industrialization is often lengthy. Therefore, establishing a comprehensive, end-to-end public transformation platform is necessary. This platform should cover key stages such as proof-of-concept validation, pilot-scale testing and investment transfer. This involves creating a centralized institution to oversee the entire transformation process, appointing dedicated personnel for each stage, as well as ensuring that there are sufficient resources allocated throughout.