The State Council on Jan 3 released a circular on measures that will give research institutions and staff more autonomy.

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have initiated a series of policies to give more autonomy to research units and staff, which achieved great results, said the circular.

It is hoped that these policies will stimulate enthusiasm for innovation in scientific professionals, according to the circular.

Problems persist however, such as budget adjustments, the purchasing and management of equipment, the commercialization of research findings, salary incentives and the flow of personnel.

To further push the implementation of the policies, the central government asked each region and departments to formulate specific measures and revise current regulations on management of research projects, funds and staff.

Colleges and universities, research institutes, State-owned enterprises and think tanks are also asked to revise and formulate related regulations.

All work should be completed before the end of February 2019, the circular said.