Science Week opens with call for innovation

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor Liu Yandong on Saturday opened China's annual "Science and Technology Week" by calling for accelerated scientific progress and the development of new technology, popularization of scientific knowledge and the creation of an environment for innovation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the week, Liu described enhancing innovative capabilities as "the core of national development strategy" and "the key to transforming the economic growth pattern."

Reform should be deepened to improve policies for innovation, and efforts should be made to stimulate enthusiasm and creativity among scientists and technicians and strengthen the sharing and coordination of technical sources, she said.

The fruits of technical innovation should benefit the masses so as to improve agricultural development, people's livelihoods and social management, according to the state councilor.

"Academic democracy" should be advocated, exploration should be encouraged and failure should be tolerated so as to drive creative thinking, Liu added.

More than 1,000 technical and educational staffers, students and officials were present at the opening ceremony. "Science and Technology Week" has been held annually since 2001 and more then 600 million people have participated in its activities.