The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee and the Chinese State Council have issued a document titled “Measures to Further Strengthen the Training and Utilization of Young Scientific and Technological Talents.” The initiative is a response to Western technological containment of China. The document emphasizes boosting the role of young talent in key scientific and technological initiatives.
The directive focuses on motivating and guiding young scientific and technological talents towards achieving “high-level scientific and technological self-reliance” as part of China’s journey towards “modernization and national rejuvenation.”
The measures encourage the involvement of young talents in major national scientific tasks and core technology research, setting a minimum 50% representation of individuals under 40 years of age as project leaders or core members. Funding through China’s National Natural Science Foundation for these talents is prioritized, ensuring a minimum of 45% of projects are supported.
Additional support comes from the relaxation of age, title, and qualification restrictions for participation in the National Key Research and Development Program for Young Scientists. Young scientists are further urged to lead their own research projects, with a goal of 60% of initiative leaders being under 40.
To alleviate burdens on young scientists, the initiative promotes reducing non-research obligations, aiming for over 80% of their workweek being dedicated to research. A focus on work-life balance is also promoted through improved remuneration, regular medical check-ups, psychological counseling, academic leave exploration, and fostering a supportive research environment.
Local CCP committees and governments are instructed to treat young scientific and technological work as a strategic endeavor, aligning it with regional talent development and overall economic and social growth.
The document seeks to strengthen China’s technological capabilities by harnessing the potential of its young scientific and technological talents, fostering a new generation of leaders to drive the country’s scientific progress and technological innovation in the face of international competition.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), August 27, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202308270182.aspx