China must spare no efforts in technological innovation to bolster a modern economic system in the new era, Vice-Premier Liu Yandong said at a symposium on technological work on Jan 9.

As China has entered the new era — a critical developing stage to establish a modernized economy — new social contradictions and goals have emerged and technological innovation will face new demands which should be mapped out and handled with a global view, Liu stressed.

Innovation should be focused on demand released from supply-side reform, with major national technology projects being launched. The construction of a modern industrial technology system should be expedited.

China should also enhance basic and applied research, develop technologies to improve people’s livelihoods and fight against poverty, and promote industry-university-research cooperation and integration between military and civil technologies.

Open cooperation with other countries is also encouraged, Liu said.

Wan Gang, vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee and minister of science and technology, also attended the symposium.