China has accelerated its tech innovation growth, making notable progress in core technologies during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). This demonstrates the country’s commitment to technological self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun said China’s R&D spending exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan (505 billion dollars) in 2024. This marks a 48 percent increase from 2020. R&D intensity reached 2.68 percent of GDP, above the EU average. Yin also noted that basic research investment rose more than 70 percent in five years.
China’s tech innovation growth has strengthened its global standing. The country leads in high-level journal publications and patent applications. Its innovation ranking rose from 14th in 2020 to 10th in 2024. These improvements support China’s 2035 goal of becoming a global science and technology leader.
Integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation has advanced rapidly. High-tech manufacturing output rose 42 percent compared with the previous five-year period. Emerging sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy contributed 18 percent to GDP in 2024.
Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng reported strong industrial growth. Equipment manufacturing and high-tech sectors grew annually by 7.9 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively. New energy vehicle production exceeded 13 million units, maintaining China’s leadership for ten years. Photovoltaic and wind power equipment also ranked among the world’s top.
China achieved breakthroughs in AI and robotics. Large language models reached advanced international levels, with over 100 application scenarios. Humanoid robots now assist in automobile production, logistics, and power inspection, supporting a trillion-yuan industry.
In conclusion, China’s tech innovation growth drives industrial modernization and economic expansion. Ongoing investment, industrial integration, and emerging technologies will strengthen China’s position as a global science and manufacturing leader.
