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China has concluded the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025) with remarkable achievements in science, technology, and innovation. According to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the country has significantly strengthened its innovation ecosystem, accelerated breakthroughs in strategic technologies, and deepened the integration of innovation across economic and social development.

From record investments in research and development to advancements in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, China’s progress demonstrates the growing role of science and technology as a driver of high-quality growth.

Rising Investment Fuels Innovation

One of the most notable achievements during the past five years has been the steady increase in research and development (R&D) investment.

China’s R&D expenditure grew from RMB 2.44 trillion in 2020 to RMB 3.93 trillion in 2025, representing an average annual growth rate of 10 percent. At the same time, R&D intensity—the proportion of R&D spending relative to GDP—increased from 2.36 percent to 2.80 percent, surpassing the average level of OECD countries.

The country also continued to expand its scientific workforce. Full-time R&D personnel increased from 5.24 million person-years in 2020 to 7.95 million person-years in 2025, maintaining China’s position as the global leader in R&D talent for 13 consecutive years.

The commercialization of research has also accelerated. The value of technology contracts nationwide rose sharply from RMB 2.8 trillion to RMB 7.6 trillion, highlighting stronger links between scientific discovery and industrial application.

Breakthroughs in Strategic Technologies

The 14th Five-Year Plan period witnessed major advances in frontier science and key technologies.

China established 77 national major scientific and technological infrastructure projects, many of which have reached internationally advanced standards. Significant progress was made in areas including:

• Quantum information science
• Artificial intelligence
• Life sciences
• Deep-sea exploration
• Deep-earth research
• Deep-space exploration

The country also achieved important milestones in semiconductor development, operating systems, and LiDAR technologies, strengthening its technological self-reliance in critical sectors.

Several landmark projects symbolize these achievements:

• The Tiangong Space Station entered full operation and application.
• The domestically developed C919 large passenger aircraft began regular commercial operations.
• The “Mengxiang” deep-ocean drilling vessel was successfully commissioned.

These accomplishments demonstrate China’s growing ability to develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies at scale.

Building New Quality Productive Forces

Innovation has increasingly become the foundation of China’s industrial transformation.

By the end of 2025, the country had cultivated:

• More than 600,000 technology and innovation-focused SMEs
• 504,000 high-tech enterprises
• Over 140,000 specialized and sophisticated SMEs

Digital transformation has also accelerated across industries. Nearly 90 percent of industrial enterprises above designated size had completed digital transformation initiatives by the end of 2025.

Meanwhile, the “three new” economy—consisting of new industries, new business formats, and new business models—accounted for 18.01 percent of GDP in 2024, representing a significant increase compared with 2020.

China’s digital economy continued to expand, reaching 33.1 percent of GDP in 2024. The country also led the world with 101 “lighthouse factories,” globally recognized manufacturing facilities that showcase advanced digital and intelligent production capabilities.

Innovation Delivering Real-World Benefits

The impact of technological progress extends far beyond laboratories and factories.

Industrial robots are now deployed across 71 major industrial sectors, with China’s robot density significantly exceeding the global average. In the energy sector, the country accounts for more than half of the world’s installed new energy storage capacity.

Agricultural modernization has also accelerated, with the contribution rate of agricultural technological advancement surpassing 64 percent in 2025.

In healthcare, digital innovation has improved accessibility and efficiency. Remote medical service networks now cover every city and county nationwide, while cross-provincial direct settlement systems for medical expenses have benefited more than 560 million patient visits.

These developments illustrate how innovation is improving productivity, sustainability, and quality of life across society.

Looking Ahead: The 15th Five-Year Plan

As China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), the focus is shifting from building innovation capacity to maximizing innovation efficiency.

The latest report emphasizes the need to:

• Deepen reforms in the science and technology system
• Improve the efficiency of innovation ecosystems
• Strengthen high-level technological self-reliance
• Accelerate the development of new quality productive forces
• Foster deeper integration between technological innovation and economic growth

With a stronger research base, world-class infrastructure, growing digital capabilities, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, China is positioning itself to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of global science and technology.

Conclusion

The achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan demonstrate a significant leap in China’s scientific and technological capabilities. Increased R&D investment, expanding talent resources, breakthroughs in strategic technologies, and widespread digital transformation have collectively strengthened the nation’s innovation-driven development model.

As the next five-year period begins, China’s continued commitment to science, technology, and innovation is expected to serve as a key engine for sustainable economic growth, industrial modernization, and improved public well-being.