Management of scientific research, unlike administrative management, calls for compliance with objective laws, Premier Li said at the first plenary meeting of the national leading group on science and technology, on Dec 6.

Work in this regard should be focused on the research staff, the Premier added.

There have been complaints from research staff about unfulfilled implementation of certain policies, Premier Li said, though many documents have been issued in recent years to help scientific research institutions and staff obtain more autonomy. That shows there are still plenty of problems to be addressed.

Departments concerned should meticulously review existing policies regarding management of projects, decision-making concerning technology road maps, and budget adjustment, among others.

In addition, they should pinpoint the bearers of specific obligations and guarantee full enforcement of the policies, allowing scientific institutions and staff to have greater autonomy in their work, the Premier said.