China to streamline administration of scientific programs

New reforms on managing China's science and technology programs aimed at creating streamlined administration and encouraging innovation have been outlined by the central government.

In the outline, 47 programs have been listed as the first group to be streamlined through cancellation, merger, transference and standardization.

Concrete budget plans will be submitted in March this year, Zhao Lu, head of the educational, scientific and cultural division of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), said Thursday.

The outline involves reform in more than 90 science and technology plans and programs, covering funds of 80 billion yuan (13.1 billion US dollars) to 90 billion yuan, Zhao said.

"In 2017, all of the scientific and technological programs will be administrated in accordance to the streamlined and integrated methods," Zhao added.

According to the Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, now more than 40 governmental organs are in charge of the over 90 science and technology projects.

"Redundant administrative system has led to malpractice such as repeated application, fragmental plans in the sector and lack of supervision," said Wan.

Wan cited that Chinese researchers takes 51 percent of their total working time to carry out scientific studies, while the rest time mainly goes to application for the funds.

However, their research results are disappointing.

Since the reform and opening up drive began in the late 1970s, China has set up several projects in succession, including the Spark Program (a fund to boost rural economy), the National Natural Science Foundation and the National High-tech R&D Program.

"Theses programs have made great contribution through China's development but the outcomes are still behind the country's scientific and technological needs," said Zhang Xiaoyuan, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST).

China will establish a public platform to operate national scientific and technological development and a system for assessment and supervision, said Zhang.

Based on the platform, governmental organs will not administrate specific programs.

A joint meeting will be established by the MST, the MOF and the National Development and Reform Commission to stipulate regulations and review development plans while the administration will be under entire operation by professional institutes.