By Special Correspondent

China plans to increase nationwide research and development (R&D) spending by an average of at least 7% annually during the 2026–2030 period as part of efforts to strengthen technological innovation and support high-quality development, according to the report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and the draft 2026 plan reviewed at the national legislative session in Beijing.

The report states that sustained growth in R&D investment will help ensure steady progress in scientific and technological innovation while strengthening China’s capacity for technological advancement.

According to the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), the proposed R&D spending target maintains the same annual growth rate set during the previous five-year period.

Authorities said the target was determined after assessing long-term trends in research investment as well as the capacity of enterprises and research institutions to support sustained innovation.

The report notes that maintaining stable growth in R&D spending is intended to reinforce the role of innovation as a key driver of economic development.

China plans to increase support for scientific research programs and strengthen the development of national innovation platforms in order to improve the country’s research capabilities.

Authorities also aim to expand enterprise participation in research, collaborating with universities and research institutes to accelerate the transformation of scientific discoveries into practical applications.

China has also been promoting the development of national laboratories and major scientific infrastructure facilities to strengthen its capacity for advanced research.

These facilities are designed to support breakthroughs in key technologies and provide researchers with the resources needed to conduct cutting-edge scientific work.

According to the report, the government will continue to encourage innovation-driven development by strengthening the integration among research institutions, enterprises, and industrial sectors.

Efforts will also focus on improving the efficiency of research funding and strengthening the management of scientific research programs.

Authorities emphasized that stable growth in R&D spending will support the development of new technologies and strengthen the competitiveness of China’s industries.

The report notes that expanding research investment will also contribute to the development of emerging industries and the advancement of strategic technologies.

China’s long-term innovation strategy aims to enhance technological capabilities while supporting economic transformation and industrial upgrading through sustained investment in research and development.

Credit: INP-WealthPk