In recent months, the Department of Condition Finance under the Ministry of Science and Technology in China brought together a group of leading scientists and scholars in Beijing for an in-depth discussion on the key aspects of independent innovation in scientific instruments. The meeting aimed to define the main directions for China's scientific equipment development during the "Eleventh Five-Year Plan" and to enhance the overall planning and research efforts for scientific equipment development. Over 20 distinguished academicians and experts, including Jin Guofan, Liu Guangding, Wang Erkang, Yao Junen, and Zhang Yukui, participated in the seminar.
The experts emphasized that scientific instruments are not just tools; they are the physical embodiment of scientific knowledge, such as testing methods and technological innovations. These devices serve as essential means for humans to explore the world, measure natural phenomena, and control information in the material world. They are not only the foundation of scientific research but also integral components of modern high-tech and information industries. In many ways, possessing the most advanced scientific instruments can determine a country’s technological leadership, its ability to protect public health, its influence in setting commercial standards, and its capacity to manage crises effectively.
However, for a long time, many Chinese laboratories have relied heavily on imported equipment, which has limited the independence of local researchers. It is reported that 60% of China’s fixed asset investment goes toward foreign-made equipment, with a significant portion dedicated to high-end scientific instruments. For example, in the field of analytical and detection equipment, technologies like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, electron spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, automated biochemistry analyzers, and DNA sequencers are entirely dependent on imports. The value of imported analytical instruments surged from $900 million in 2001 to $1.613 billion in 2003, exceeding $2 billion in 2004, and has continued to grow at an annual rate of around 30%. The situation is even more critical in the biomedical field, where China remains highly reliant on developed nations.
In response to these challenges, in November 2005, the Department of Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences submitted a comprehensive report titled "Recommendations on Vigorously Strengthening the Capacity for Independent Research and Development and Industrialization of Scientific Instruments in China to Implement the 'Zhang Heng Project'." This report received strong support from the government and triggered a series of positive developments. With the implementation of the National Science and Technology Conference's guidelines and the national medium- and long-term science and technology plan, the Condition Finance Department organized this conference after collecting public input on the "Eleventh Five-Year" scientific equipment development earlier this year.
It is encouraging to note that although China currently lags significantly behind the global leaders in scientific instrumentation, the country has already taken important steps forward and is showing promising progress in building its own capabilities in this crucial area.
SICHUAN TELOS NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD , https://www.kenlarcutters.com