China’s sci-tech transformation shows robust growth, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. The report was released during the 2025 Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai. It highlights strong progress in turning research into practical applications. Consequently, this focus on sci-tech transformation underscores the nation’s commitment to innovation and economic development.
In 2024, 4,059 universities and research institutes advanced their scientific and technological achievements through six channels: transfer, licensing, equity investment, technology development, consulting, and services. Contracts from these activities totaled 226.9 billion yuan, about 31.9 billion U.S. dollars. This marked a 10 percent increase from the previous year. The growth demonstrates the strength of China’s technology commercialization and research-to-application transformation.
Moreover, the total number of contracts reached 661,000, showing expansion in both value and volume of research-to-application transformation. Researchers in universities and institutes maintained high enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship. Notably, 415 institutions reported technology-transfer contracts exceeding 100 million yuan each, up 4.1 percent year on year. This demonstrates how sci-tech transformation drives large-scale commercialization.
By the end of 2024, universities and research institutes employed 18,248 full-time staff dedicated to technology commercialization. Furthermore, more than 1,000 institutions had set up specialized technology-transfer offices to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Additionally, 1,329 institutions established joint R&D units, transfer offices, and collaboration platforms with enterprises. These steps sped up the ongoing research-to-application transformation.
Officials emphasized that this cooperation strengthens ties between academia and industry. Likewise, experts noted that the ongoing sci-tech transformation enhances China’s global competitiveness and fosters sustainable economic growth. Therefore, effective technology commercialization continues to be a key outcome of this transformation.
Looking ahead, authorities plan to expand support for technology transfer and commercialization. They also aim to improve policies, funding mechanisms, and research infrastructure. In addition, the Ministry of Science and Technology highlighted that cultivating talent and fostering collaboration is vital to maintaining momentum in China’s sci-tech transformation.
Overall, the report illustrates that China continues to integrate research with practical applications effectively. By promoting collaboration between universities, research institutes, and businesses, the country positions itself as a global leader in innovation. Consequently, sci-tech transformation remains central to advancing economic growth and strengthening national technological capacity.
