China's 13th Five-Year National Science and Technology Innovation Plan: Five Key Highlights in Healthcare and Related Product Roadmap

On August 8, the State Council recently issued the “13th Five-Year Plan for National Scientific and Technological Innovation” (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”), which was approved by Premier Li Keqiang. The Plan clearly sets forth the guiding principles, overall requirements, strategic tasks, and reform measures for national scientific and technological innovation over the next five years.

“The Plan” emphasizes that innovation must be upheld as the primary driving force for development. Centered on the in-depth implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and support for supply-side structural reform, it calls for comprehensive deepening of scientific and technological system reforms, vigorous promotion of all-around innovation with scientific and technological innovation at its core, and the shaping of more leading-type development that relies on innovation-driven growth and leverages first-mover advantages. This will ensure China’s timely entry into the ranks of innovative nations and lay a solid foundation for building itself into a global powerhouse in science and technology.

“The Plan” outlines the blueprint for scientific and technological innovation development over the next five years and establishes the overall objectives for sci-tech innovation during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. National scientific and technological strength and innovation capacity will see substantial leaps, with China’s global ranking in comprehensive innovation capability entering the top 15 and joining the ranks of innovative nations. The effectiveness of innovation-driven development will be remarkable: compared with 2015, the contribution rate of scientific and technological progress will increase from 55.3% to 60%, and the value added of knowledge-intensive service industries as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) will rise from 15.6% to 20%. Sci-tech innovation capabilities will be significantly enhanced, with the number of patent applications filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) doubling relative to 2015 levels, and R&D intensity reaching 2.5%.

The Plan proposes the establishment of an efficient and collaborative national innovation system, and sets forth overall requirements from six aspects: cultivating vibrant innovation entities, systematically laying out high-level innovation bases, creating innovation growth poles led by high-end industries, building an open and collaborative innovation network, establishing a modern innovation governance structure, and fostering a favorable innovation ecosystem. Efforts will be made to promote coordinated interaction among various innovation entities and ensure the smooth flow and efficient allocation of innovation factors, thereby forming practical carriers, institutional arrangements, and environmental safeguards for innovation-driven development.

The Plan centers on supporting major national strategies and fully leverages the core leading role of scientific and technological innovation in driving industries toward the mid-to-high end, injecting new momentum for development, expanding new spaces for development, and improving the quality and efficiency of development. It prioritizes task deployment in six key areas. First, it focuses on building national first-mover advantages by strengthening major strategic layouts that balance immediate needs with long-term goals. Second, it aims to enhance original innovation capacity by cultivating important strategic innovation forces. Third, it seeks to expand the space for innovative development by coordinating both domestic and international considerations. Fourth, it promotes mass entrepreneurship and innovation by fostering a favorable ecosystem for innovation and startups. Fifth, it comprehensively deepens reforms of the science and technology system by removing institutional barriers that constrain innovation and the commercialization of research outcomes. Sixth, it strengthens the public and social foundations for innovation by enhancing science popularization and fostering a culture of innovation.

The Plan proposes safeguard measures from three aspects: implementing and improving innovation-related policies and regulations, enhancing the mechanism for investment in scientific and technological innovation, and strengthening the implementation and management of the Plan. It emphasizes improving the inclusive policy system supporting innovation, deeply implementing the intellectual property strategy and technical standards strategy, and establishing a diversified system for scientific and technological investment.

The “13th Five-Year Plan” for National Science and Technology Innovation is the first S&T innovation plan issued since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, when the country sounded the clarion call to build itself into a global leader in science and technology. Reporters interviewed Li Meng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Xu Liang, Director of the Department of Innovation and Development at the Ministry of Science and Technology; Liu Depei, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Lü Wei, Director of the Department of Technological Economics at the Development Research Center of the State Council; and Xue Lan, Dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, all of whom were directly involved in drafting the plan. They provided authoritative insights into five key highlights of the plan.

Unlike previous national science and technology plans, this plan is titled “National Plan for Scientific and Technological Innovation” for the first time.

Li Meng: The 13th Five-Year Plan period was the decisive stage for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and joining the ranks of innovative countries. The plan proposed 12 indicators, including raising the contribution rate of scientific and technological progress from 55.3% to 60%, and increasing the share of value-added of knowledge-intensive service industries in gross domestic product (GDP) from 15.6% to 20%. These are important metrics for measuring the industry's ascent toward the high end of the value chain.

The plan takes the in-depth implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and support for supply-side structural reform as its main thread, focusing on shaping more leading-type development that relies on innovation drive and leverages first-mover advantages. It puts forward requirements for building an efficient and collaborative national innovation system from six aspects: cultivating vibrant innovation entities, systematically laying out high-level innovation bases, creating high-end leading innovation growth poles, constructing an open and collaborative innovation network, establishing a modern innovation governance structure, and fostering a favorable innovation ecosystem.

Xu Liang: The most prominent feature of the plan is that its focus extends beyond the reform and development of scientific and technological research itself to address the main battlefield of the national economy, the frontiers of science and technology, and major national needs. For instance, while previous S&T plans rarely mentioned sci-tech finance, the current plan not only addresses sci-tech finance but also discusses mass entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as how to support the development of various venture capital firms, intermediaries, and service providers. It places particular emphasis on developing the new economy under the new normal and transforming traditional industries with modern technologies.

The Plan outlines six overarching deployments. The first two require strengthening major strategic layouts that balance immediate and long-term priorities, with a focus on building national first-mover advantages; and cultivating key strategic innovation capabilities to enhance original innovation capacity.

Li Meng: Throughout the planning process, we have consistently adhered to the principle that “innovation is the primary driving force for development,” striving to create a high-caliber plan. Building upon the in-depth implementation of major special projects, we have deployed 15 major science and technology innovation initiatives targeting the year 2030; established a modern industrial technology system focusing on ten key areas, including modern agriculture; developed a technological framework to support livelihood improvement and sustainable development across five major domains, such as ecological conservation; and constructed a technology system safeguarding national security and strategic interests in the frontiers of deep space, deep sea, deep earth, and deep blue.

Liu Depei: The plan places significant emphasis on disruptive technologies and fundamental research. The state must engage in advance judgment, early warning, and strategic pre-positioning regarding disruptive technologies to ensure proactive control and competitiveness in future competition.

Xu Liang: China’s scientific and technological development has transitioned from a long-term phase of following to a new stage characterized by the parallel advancement of leading, running alongside, and catching up. Consequently, planning now places greater emphasis on frontier and leading-edge directions, paying closer attention to the impact of disruptive technologies on industrial transformation. For instance, in major projects, forward-looking technologies such as quantum communication, quantum computing, brain science, and brain-inspired research have been deployed.

The Plan devotes substantial space to elaborating on how to leverage the core leading role of scientific and technological innovation in driving industries toward the medium-to-high end, injecting new momentum into development, expanding new spaces for growth, and improving the quality and efficiency of development under the new normal.

Li Meng: The plan highlights the characteristics of the era. It is not an “ivory tower” plan, but an innovative one that reflects the integration of science and technology with the economy, supporting the nation’s transition from large to strong. It emphasizes addressing major national strategic needs, prioritizing major scientific and technological projects, national laboratories, international big science initiatives, and major scientific engineering programs. It adopts a full-chain design, spanning from upstream original innovation in basic research, through midstream technological innovation, to downstream technology promotion and industrialization.

Lu Wei: Innovation is the result of a combination of factors, with scientific research being just one link in the innovation chain. This plan starts from the entire innovation chain, reflecting overall coordination and highlighting top-level design, systems thinking, and strategic thinking.

The plan points out that we should build a regional innovation highland and enhance the level of coordinated regional development.

Lü Wei: One of the highlights of the plan is its emphasis on regional innovation. Given the significant disparities in development stages, distribution of innovation factors, and innovation capabilities across different regions of China, a uniform, synchronized approach is not feasible.

The Plan proposes expanding new frontiers for innovative development, emphasizing the creation of regional highlands for innovation and promoting coordinated regional innovation. This constitutes a systematic deployment across four tiers: first, Beijing and Shanghai are to build science and technology innovation centers with international influence; second, the innovative development of National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zones and High-Tech Industrial Development Zones is to be advanced; third, highly influential innovative provinces, cities, and regional innovation centers are to be established; and fourth, comprehensive innovation reform pilots are to be systematically promoted.

The plan requires comprehensive integration into and strategic positioning within the global innovation network, as well as in-depth participation in global innovation governance.

Li Meng: The shift from passive response to proactive integration into the global innovation network demonstrates enhanced confidence in innovation. Many Chinese innovative enterprises have established R&D institutions overseas. Advances in China’s scientific and technological innovation capabilities are profoundly reshaping the global innovation landscape, international industrial division of labor, and economic structure.

Xue Lan: In the era of globalization, no innovation system can thrive in isolation. Only through openness can we facilitate the comprehensive flow and efficient allocation of innovation resources. The development of China’s scientific and technological innovation is closely linked to its reform and opening-up policy; the strategies of “going global” and “bringing in” have played a significant role in enriching the innovation ecosystem. Looking ahead, China will create a more favorable environment and conditions to attract overseas resources, explore pilot programs for technical immigration, participate more actively in the formulation of international rules, and fulfill its due role within the global scientific and technological community.

In accordance with the requirements of focusing on objectives, highlighting key priorities, and accelerating implementation, we will expedite the execution of deployed National Science and Technology Major Projects, promote the application and industrialization of project outcomes, enhance implementation effectiveness, and ensure the achievement of project goals. We will continue to make breakthroughs in core and critical technologies, including “Core Electronic Devices, High-End General Chips, and Basic Software” (HEGCB), integrated circuit equipment, broadband mobile communications, computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, oil and gas development, nuclear power, water pollution control, genetically modified organisms, new drug development, and infectious disease prevention and control. We will strive to resolve major scientific and technological issues that constrain economic and social development and concern national security. We will develop major strategic products with international competitiveness, construct high-level major demonstration projects, and leverage their radiating and driving effects to improve people’s livelihoods and support the development of pillar industries. We will gather and cultivate a cohort of leading scientific and technological talents and high-level innovation and entrepreneurship teams, establish a number of highly leading innovation platforms and industrialization bases with international influence, foster a group of innovative leading enterprises with strong international competitiveness, and develop world-leading high-tech industries in selected fields.

1. Major New Drug Creation.Focusing on ten major categories of diseases, including malignant tumors and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, we will strengthen the development of major vaccines and antibodies. Priority support will be given to the development of drugs with strong innovation, high efficacy, alignment with critical needs, and significant industrialization potential, as well as to the construction of capabilities in major generic key technologies and basic research. We will enhance resource sharing and open services among innovation platforms, basically establish a national drug innovation system at an internationally advanced level, bring the comprehensive capability and overall level of new drug R&D into the international forefront, and accelerate China’s transition from a large pharmaceutical country to a powerful pharmaceutical nation.

2. Prevention and Control of Major Infectious Diseases, Including HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis.Break through integrated prevention and control technologies for sudden acute infectious diseases, and enhance emergency response capabilities; overcome key technologies and products for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis; strengthen vaccine research; develop a range of advanced testing and diagnostic products; improve the effectiveness of clinical treatment regimens for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis; and establish treatment protocols with distinctive features of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Develop a new comprehensive prevention and control model tailored to national conditions to reduce the burden of “three diseases and two rates,” thereby supporting the containment of HIV/AIDS at low prevalence levels, the transition of hepatitis B from high-prevalence to medium- and low-prevalence status, and the reduction of tuberculosis incidence and case fatality rates to levels comparable to those in moderately developed countries.

Looking ahead to 2030, we will select another batch of major science and technology projects that reflect national strategic intentions, striving to achieve breakthroughs. Based on longer-term strategic needs, we will adhere to the principle of focusing on key priorities while leaving certain areas aside, aiming to achieve early breakthroughs in priority areas such as aero-engines and gas turbines, deep-sea space stations, quantum communication and quantum computing, brain science and brain-inspired research, national cyberspace security, deep space exploration and on-orbit servicing and maintenance systems for spacecraft, independent innovation in seed industry, clean and efficient utilization of coal, smart grids, integrated space-ground information networks, big data, intelligent manufacturing and robotics, research and application of key new materials, comprehensive environmental governance in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and health security. In accordance with the principle of “launching each project as it becomes ready,” we will initiate and implement these projects in an orderly, phased manner.

1. Major Science and Technology Projects:Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Research. Centered on the principles of brain cognition, with brain-inspired computing and brain-machine intelligence as well as the diagnosis and treatment of major brain disorders as its two pillars, this initiative aims to establish key technology platforms and secure a leading position in frontier brain science research.

2. Major Projects:Health Security. In alignment with the needs of building a Healthy China, we will strengthen research and development in technologies such as precision medicine, deploy disease prevention and control measures for chronic non-communicable diseases and common, frequently occurring illnesses, and conduct research on reproductive health and the prevention and control of birth defects. We will accelerate the transfer and translation of technological achievements and promote demonstration services that benefit the public.

Aiming at the frontiers of global science and technology, we must seize the strategic opportunities presented by the integration of biotechnology with various sectors. By adhering to forward-looking deployment and innovation-driven leadership, we will leverage biotechnological innovations to drive progress in life and health, bio-manufacturing, and bioenergy, thereby accelerating China’s transition from a major biotechnology nation to a leading biotechnology power. Key priorities include the deployment of frontier generic biotechnologies, novel biopharmaceuticals, green bio-manufacturing technologies, advanced biomedical materials, biological resource utilization, biosafety security, and the research and development of life science instruments and equipment. We will accelerate innovative breakthroughs and the application of pioneering technologies such as synthetic biology, biological big data, regenerative medicine, and 3D bioprinting. Our goal is to enhance the level of original biotechnological innovation, strive for integrated breakthroughs in several key areas, promote the translation and application of technologies to serve national economic and social development, and significantly boost the international competitiveness of the bioeconomy.

1. Frontier Common Biotechnologies.Accelerate breakthroughs in cutting-edge key life science technologies, including new genomic technologies, synthetic biology, biological big data, 3D bioprinting, brain science and artificial intelligence, gene editing, and structural biology. Strengthen the research and development of core critical equipment for the bioindustry and life sciences research, enhance China’s original innovation capabilities in frontier areas of biotechnology, and secure a commanding position in international biotechnology competition.

2. Novel Biopharmaceutical Technologies.Conduct research on key technologies, including the development of major vaccines and antibodies, immunotherapy, gene therapy, cell therapy, stem cells and regenerative medicine, and the analysis and regulation of the human microbiome; develop a range of innovative pharmaceutical and biological products; and build a globally competitive industrial system for medical biotechnology.

3. Biomedical Materials.Guided by the directions of tissue replacement, functional restoration, and intelligent regulation, accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies such as 3D bioprinting, surface biofunctionalization and modification of materials, and next-generation testing and evaluation methods for biomaterials. Prioritize the strategic deployment of major products including tissue-inductive biomedical materials, tissue engineering products, next-generation implantable and interventional medical devices, and artificial organs. Enhance standards for medical-grade basic raw materials, establish an innovation chain for next-generation biomedical material products, and boost the competitiveness of the biomedical materials industry.

4. Green Biomanufacturing Technology.Conduct research on the biomanufacturing of major chemical products, the development of novel bioenergy, the bioconversion of organic waste and gaseous carbon oxide resources, and the substitution of biological processes in heavily polluting industries. Break through key technical bottlenecks in raw material conversion and utilization, bioprocess efficiency, and biomanufacturing costs. Expand new sources of industrial raw materials and develop new green manufacturing processes, thereby establishing a new pathway for the green development of industry and the energy economy driven by biotechnology.

5. Biological Resource Utilization Technology.Focus on the integration, mining, and utilization of strategic biological resources; advance systematic integration and in-depth research on the utilization of human genetic resources; establish national strategic biological resource banks and information service platforms; expand resource reserves; strengthen development and sharing; secure the initiative in utilization and development; and provide resource guarantees for the sustainable development of the bioindustry.

6. Biosafety Assurance Technologies.Conduct research on biosafety-related technologies, including biological threat risk assessment, monitoring and early warning, detection and source tracing, prevention and control, and emergency response; establish information and physical resource repositories related to biosafety; and build a highly integrated national biosafety defense system.

Closely aligning with the needs of building a Healthy China, this initiative prioritizes addressing major issues affecting national welfare and people’s livelihoods, such as the prevention and control of major chronic diseases and responses to population aging. With the goal of improving the health status of the entire population, it systematically strengthens the integration of biological data, clinical information, and sample resources; coordinates the development of National Clinical Medical Research Centers and collaborative disease research networks; promotes innovative and integrated research through collaboration among medical institutions, research organizations, and enterprises; and accelerates the advancement of medical science and technology. Key tasks include disease prevention and control, precision medicine, reproductive health, rehabilitation and elderly care, drug quality and safety, innovative drug development, localization of medical devices, and modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It aims to accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies such as chronic disease screening, smart healthcare, and proactive health management; strengthen the dissemination and promotion of disease prevention and treatment technologies; facilitate the translation and clinical application of new technologies and products; and establish and improve the technical standard system for clinical medicine. By 2020, the goal is to form an integrated, continuous health security system combining medical care, elderly care, rehabilitation, and nursing, thereby providing robust scientific and technological support for improving the quality of medical service supply, accelerating the development of the health industry, and advancing healthcare reform and the construction of a Healthy China.

1. Prevention and Control of Major Diseases.Focusing on major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, malignant tumors, metabolic disorders, respiratory diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders; common and frequently occurring conditions in gastroenterology, stomatology, and otorhinolaryngology; parasitic diseases including echinococcosis, malaria, and schistosomiasis; as well as injury prevention and treatment technologies, we will strengthen the integrated layout of basic research, clinical translation, evidence-based evaluation, and demonstration applications. We aim to achieve breakthroughs in a batch of key prevention and control technologies, develop a series of novel diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, and promote a range of appropriate technologies, thereby effectively addressing practical clinical challenges and enhancing healthcare service capabilities at the primary care level.

2. Key Technologies in Precision Medicine.Seize the opportunities presented by the integrated development of biotechnology and information technology, establish prospective cohorts comprising one million healthy individuals and patients with key diseases, and build a multi-level precision medicine knowledge base system along with a national biomedical big data sharing platform. Focus on overcoming core key technologies in precision medicine, such as next-generation gene sequencing, omics research, and big data integration analysis. Develop a suite of precise application solutions and decision support systems for early screening, molecular subtyping, personalized treatment, efficacy prediction, and monitoring of major diseases, thereby driving the transformation of medical diagnosis and treatment models.

3. Reproductive Health and Prevention and Control of Birth Defects.Address prominent issues in China regarding the prevention and control of birth defects, infertility, and contraception; establish nationwide cohorts of people of childbearing age and live births; build a national-level biobank for bioinformatics and biological samples; develop a suite of appropriate technologies and innovative products suitable for primary care settings; comprehensively enhance the scientific and technological capabilities for birth defect prevention and control; safeguard the reproductive health of people of childbearing age; and improve the quality of the newborn population.

4. Digital Diagnostic and Therapeutic Equipment.Guided by the principles of early detection, precision, and minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, priority will be given to advancing the research and development of products such as multimodal molecular imaging, novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, next-generation X-ray computed tomography (CT), new-generation ultrasound imaging, low-dose X-ray imaging, hybrid endoscopic imaging, novel microscopic imaging, large-scale radiotherapy equipment, surgical robots, and active implantable medical devices. Efforts will be accelerated to promote the domestication, high-end advancement, and brand building of digital diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

5. In vitro diagnostic products.Breakthroughs in key technologies such as microfluidic chips, single-molecule detection, and automated nucleic acid testing will be achieved to develop major products including fully automated nucleic acid testing systems, high-throughput liquid suspension bead arrays, medical biological mass spectrometers, and rapid pathological diagnosis systems. Additionally, a batch of diagnostic reagents for early diagnosis and precision therapy of major diseases, as well as high-precision diagnostic products suitable for primary healthcare institutions, will be developed to enhance the competitiveness of China’s in vitro diagnostics industry.

6. Key Technologies for Health Promotion.Focusing on quantitative monitoring and precision intervention, and centering on health status identification, health risk early warning, and autonomous health intervention, we will prioritize breakthroughs in key technologies and products such as non-invasive detection, wearable monitoring, biosensing, the Internet of Health Things (IoHT), and intervention for health risk factors. We will strengthen the construction of national physical fitness monitoring networks, build a health big data cloud platform, and develop digitalized and personalized health management solutions covering behavioral/psychological interventions, energy/nutritional balance, and functional compensation/enhancement, thereby accelerating breakthroughs in key proactive health technologies and research into closed-loop health management services.

7. Health Service Technology.Promote the integrated innovation of information technology and medical health services, break through key technologies such as network collaboration and distributed support systems, formulate and improve privacy protection and information security standards and technical specifications, establish an integrated and continuous disease diagnosis, treatment, and health management service model based on information sharing, knowledge integration, and multidisciplinary collaboration, advance the “Internet+” Health Medical Technology Demonstration Action, and achieve the goals of optimizing resource allocation, improving healthcare delivery models, and strengthening health promotion.

8. Drug Quality and Safety.Targeting clinical medication needs, improve the technical system for consistency evaluation of generic chemical drugs, conduct quality and efficacy evaluations for high-risk varieties, pediatric medications, and adjuvant therapies, as well as research on adverse drug reaction monitoring and assessment, and drug quality control, so as to enhance the level of medication security for residents in China and strengthen capabilities in preventing and controlling drug safety risks.

9. Technologies for Elderly Care and Disability Assistance.Focusing on intelligent services, functional rehabilitation, and personalized adaptation, we will breakthrough key technologies such as human-computer interaction, neural-machine interfaces, multi-information fusion, and intelligent control. We will develop rehabilitative assistive devices for functional compensation, daily living assistance, and rehabilitation training. Furthermore, we will establish and improve comprehensive assessment and monitoring indicator systems and early warning methods for psychological and physiological functions; develop intervention points and appropriate technical measures to promote healthy aging; and build and refine technical standard systems and solutions for elderly care services.

10. Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Strengthen innovation in the original theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and research on the modern inheritance of TCM. Accelerate key technological breakthroughs in areas such as the objectification of the four diagnostic methods of TCM, preventive treatment of disease with TCM, ecological cultivation of Chinese medicinal materials, and precision medication for TCM compound prescriptions. Formulate a set of clinical protocols for the prevention and treatment of major and refractory diseases using TCM, develop a range of TCM-based health products, elevate the level of international scientific and technological cooperation in TCM, and accelerate the modernization of TCM services and the development of the broader health industry.