Talent cultivation critical for progress in science

Editor's note: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged greater efforts and more concrete measures to strengthen basic research, enhance China's capacity for original innovation, and further solidify the foundation for building the country's strength in science and technology. Xi made the remarks while attending a symposium on strengthening basic research in Shanghai. A commentary in People's Daily explains the importance of basic research for the country's development. Below are excerpts of the article.

Original innovation refers to"0-to-1" breakthroughs, which are the source of scientific innovation. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, China has placed greater emphasis on original innovation in scientific research and technological development.

As a result, a number of major basic research projects have been executed in recent years, leading to notable breakthroughs in fields such as quantum technology, materials science, physical sciences, life sciences, space science and artificial intelligence. The country's capabilities in basic research and original innovation have steadily improved and progress has moved from isolated advances to more coordinated development.