Recently China has been heavily investing in science and technology for self-reliance and experts believe to become dominant. According to Reuters, China has quietly revamped its science and technology recruitment program offering perks including home-purchase subsidies and typical signing bonuses of 3 to 5 million yuan, or $420,000 to $700,000 to elite foreign-trained scientists. China operates talent programs at various levels of government, targeting a mix of overseas Chinese and foreign experts. Reuters reports that the primary replacement for TTP is a program called Qiming overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, according to national and local policy documents, online recruitment advertisements and a person with direct knowledge of the matter who, as with others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the issue’s sensitivity.
China’s focus on attracting top science and technology talent comes as President Xi Jinping emphasizes China’s need to achieve self-reliance in semiconductors regardless of US export controls. The US Commerce Department restricts US citizens and permanent residents from supporting the development and production of advanced chips in China, among other measures. Experts point out that China places particular emphasis on the value of ‘basic research, ’which is also described as fundamental research or pure research, meaning scientific investigations conducted to expand knowledge and understanding in a particular field without any intent on an immediate or specific application. While basic research may not have immediate practical applications, it serves as the foundation for applied research and technological advancements. Here is an opinion piece we found of interest relating to China’s pursuit for self-reliance in science and technology.
China’s quest for self-reliance risks choking innovation
In an opinion piece “China’s quest for self-reliance risks choking innovation” for Financial Times, Yu Jie, senior research fellow, discusses the impact of the White House’s latest push to curb US investments in selected Chinese tech companies which underscores the escalating tech war between Beijing and Washington. While China is intent to find a path to scientific self-reliance, the country’s success in science and technology are a direct result of frequent exchanges and connectivity with the scientific community globally. According to Jie, China has invested huge resources into advancing its ambitious science and technology agenda. In addition, Beijing has made clear that it will richly reward people who can create jobs in the innovation sector and will protect their patent rights.
Jie reports that Chinese science graduates are increasingly favoring civil service jobs, viewing them as the best route to financial security versus making chips or designing aircraft engines. He argues that while Chinese leaders may be pleased to see young talent looking to win party or government positions, they need to be aware of the implications for scientific and technological innovation. Jie adds that as political institutions attract the best and brightest, they may do so at the expense of research institutes and tech start-ups. Read more on Financial Times.
Disclosure: Fatty Fish is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
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