To formulate and implement plans and programmes for the development of science and technology represents a common feature and trend of development of science and technology in the modern world. The state programmes for the development of science and technology in China are the basic way in which the Chinese government organizes research and development activities of science and technology and also an effective tool of the government to rationally allocate resources for science and technology and promote the economic and social development and the prosperity of scientific and technological undertakings. After the probe of more than ten years since the 1980s, a relatively complete system of science and technology programming with the Chinese characteristics has been preliminarily formed in China, involving both mission-orientated programmes mainly for research and development activities and government-guided programmes mainly for industrialization of achievements of scientific and technological research and extension and application of the achievements. All the programmes are mutually linked and complementary and jointly developed. Through comprehensively implementing the programmes of science and technology, the Chinese government has actively promoted the integration of science and technology with economy, the growth of productivity, the strengthening of the integral national power, the improvement of the people's livelihood and the expansion of international cooperation and exchange in the field of science and technology.


The Main Programmes of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China briefly present the policy intention of China on science and technology and several key fields of scientific and technological activities in the coming period, the allocation of resources for science and technology and the important measures of the Chinese government for the implementation of those programmes. It is hoped that it will provide references for the governments at all levels and personnel of sciences for the governments at all levels and personnel of science and technology in China, the governments and colleagues in the circles of science and technology in foreign countries and regions to care for, support, understand and help the implementation of all the Chinese programmes of science and technology.