The 18th meeting of the national leading group on reform of the scientific and technological system and building of an innovation system was held in Beijing on May 14.

Vice-Premier Liu He, who also is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the group, chaired the meeting.

Given profound changes in both domestic and international environments, China’s economic and social development requires great and urgent efforts in scientific and technological innovation, those at the meeting said.

Stressing the core position of innovation in China’s modernization drive, they called for a thorough understanding of the key role of scientific and technological innovation in high-quality development and the new development paradigm.

In compiling the national scientific and technological innovation plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, attention should be paid to shoring up weak links and strengthening foundation within a good strategic blueprint, according to those at the meeting.

Member units of the group and related departments should take solid steps in advancing scientific and technological innovation over the next five years to help China become a leading innovation-driven nation and embark on a new journey toward a modern socialist country.