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The evolution of China's National Energy RD&D Programs: The role of scientists in science and technology decision making

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  • Zhi, Qiang
  • Su, Jun
  • Ru, Peng
  • Anadon, Laura Diaz

Abstract

Since 1978, when China launched its “opening up” reform, a range of large-scale national science and technology programs have been implemented to spur economic development. Energy has received significant attention and has become a growing priority in the past years. In this paper we have analyzed the goals, management, and impact over time of China's three largest national programs: Gong Guan, 863, and 973 Programs. Using quantitative metrics to describe the input and output, by conducting semi-structured interviews with officials, scientists, and other decision makers, and by reviewing available documents as well as a case study on the coal sector we examined the changes in the decision making process, particularly in regard to the role of scientists. We found that the changes in strategic priorities set by China's high level political leaders were implemented and then transformed into outputs by using scientists as inputs or policy tools. The decreased role of scientists has been driven by two forces: (1) periodic changes in national strategy emphasizing technology commercialization; and (2) changes in the management structure involving low tolerance of risk. We suggest four ways that the government's efforts to turn China into an innovation oriented country.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhi, Qiang & Su, Jun & Ru, Peng & Anadon, Laura Diaz, 2013. "The evolution of China's National Energy RD&D Programs: The role of scientists in science and technology decision making," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 1568-1585.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:61:y:2013:i:c:p:1568-1585
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.06.044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhi, Qiang & Sun, Honghang & Li, Yanxi & Xu, Yurui & Su, Jun, 2014. "China’s solar photovoltaic policy: An analysis based on policy instruments," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 308-319.
    2. Xia Li & Yi Peng & Qiqi He & Hongmei He & Song Xue, 2023. "Development of New-Energy Vehicles under the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Strategy in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Zhang, Fang & Gallagher, Kelly Sims, 2016. "Innovation and technology transfer through global value chains: Evidence from China's PV industry," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 191-203.
    4. Zhang, Fang & Deng, Hao & Margolis, Robert & Su, Jun, 2015. "Analysis of distributed-generation photovoltaic deployment, installation time and cost, market barriers, and policies in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 43-55.
    5. Sun, Honghang & Zhi, Qiang & Wang, Yibo & Yao, Qiang & Su, Jun, 2014. "China’s solar photovoltaic industry development: The status quo, problems and approaches," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 221-230.
    6. Dabo Guan & David M. Reiner & Zhu Liu, 2014. "China’s road to a global scientific powerhouse," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1447, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    7. Qiang Zhi & Tianguang Meng, 2016. "Funding allocation, inequality, and scientific research output: an empirical study based on the life science sector of Natural Science Foundation of China," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 106(2), pages 603-628, February.

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