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Basic research is overshadowed by applied research in China: a policy perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Cui Huang

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Jun Su

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Xiang Xie

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • Jiang Li

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

This paper demonstrates that basic research has been overshadowed by applied research in China for decades, from the perspective of S&T policy. The data involves 4,707 Chinese S&T policies during the period between 1949 and 2010, which are grouped into five phases, based on the process of S&T system reform in China. We also found that S&T policies in China are leaning more towards basic research, and the gap between basic research and applied research is shrinking.

Suggested Citation

  • Cui Huang & Jun Su & Xiang Xie & Jiang Li, 2014. "Basic research is overshadowed by applied research in China: a policy perspective," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 99(3), pages 689-694, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:99:y:2014:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-013-1199-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-013-1199-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ping Zhou & Bart Thijs & Wolfgang Glänzel, 2009. "Is China also becoming a giant in social sciences?," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 79(3), pages 593-621, June.
    2. Wei Meng & Zhenhua Hu & Wenbin Liu, 2006. "Efficiency evaluation of basic research in China," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 69(1), pages 85-101, October.
    3. Jiancheng Guan & Nan Ma, 2009. "Structural equation model with PLS path modeling for an integrated system of publicly funded basic research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 81(3), pages 683-698, December.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hugo Horta, 2023. "Emerging and Near Future Challenges of Higher Education in East Asia," Asian Economic Policy Review, Japan Center for Economic Research, vol. 18(2), pages 171-191, July.
    2. Yang, Chao & Huang, Cui & Su, Jun, 2018. "An improved SAO network-based method for technology trend analysis: A case study of graphene," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 12(1), pages 271-286.
    3. Cui Huang & Jun Su & Xiang Xie & Xuanting Ye & Zhang Li & Alan Porter & Jiang Li, 2015. "A bibliometric study of China’s science and technology policies: 1949–2010," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 102(2), pages 1521-1539, February.
    4. Meijun Liu & Dongbo Shi & Jiang Li, 2017. "Double-edged sword of interdisciplinary knowledge flow from hard sciences to humanities and social sciences: Evidence from China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, September.
    5. Yang, Chao & Huang, Cui, 2022. "Quantitative mapping of the evolution of AI policy distribution, targets and focuses over three decades in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    6. Qinghua Xia & Qinwei Cao & Manqing Tan, 2020. "Basic research intensity and diversified performance: the moderating role of government support intensity," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(1), pages 577-605, October.
    7. Cui Huang & Chao Yang & Jun Su, 2018. "Policy change analysis based on “policy target–policy instrument” patterns: a case study of China’s nuclear energy policy," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 117(2), pages 1081-1114, November.
    8. J. M. Santos & H. Horta & H. Luna, 2022. "The relationship between academics’ strategic research agendas and their preferences for basic research, applied research, or experimental development," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(7), pages 4191-4225, July.
    9. Qinwei Cao, 2020. "Contradiction between input and output of Chinese scientific research: a multidimensional analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 123(1), pages 451-485, April.
    10. Huang, Cui & Yang, Chao & Su, Jun, 2021. "Identifying core policy instruments based on structural holes: A case study of China’s nuclear energy policy," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 15(2).
    11. Jiang Li & Yueting Li, 2015. "Patterns and evolution of coauthorship in China’s humanities and social sciences," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 102(3), pages 1997-2010, March.
    12. Yang, Chao & Huang, Cui & Su, Jun, 2020. "A bibliometrics-based research framework for exploring policy evolution: A case study of China's information technology policies," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    13. Fan Ren, 2024. "Does Government Environmental Concern Affect Enterprise Sustainable Development? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-21, November.

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