The plan covers 59 specific projects and merges over 100 programs, including the former 863- and 973-programs, into five plans: natural science, major sci-tech, key R&D plan, technical innovation and the sci-tech human resources. Key fields will be biotechnology, space, information, automation, energy, new materials, telecommunications and marine technology. By 2020, R&D investments are 2.5 % of GDP, S&T will contribute > 60 % to the country’s development, reliance on foreign technology will be < 30 %, and publications and patents by Chinese nationals will rank among the top 5 in the world.

CAS news release, February 12 and 17, 2015