China should do more to support the application of scientific research results, as this will help the economy shift into an innovation-driven growth model, a political advisor said Friday.
"Most scientific achievements are left forgotten in labs. Only 10 percent end up as products," Wang Yongqing, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic National Construction Association, said when addressing a plenary meeting at the ongoing annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. [Special coverage]
This is a major barrier to the country's innovation drive, Wang said.
He advised the government provide more incentives to motivate scientists and researchers to apply their achievements.
"The authorities should grant them the rights to their research outcomes and the ability to manage profits from their projects," Wang said.
There should be more links between labs and companies, which would facilitate the commercialization of research findings, Wang said, citing existing collaborations between companies, universities and research institutes.
"In this way, we will create a more innovative environment," Wang said.
He said more channels of funding should be opened to emerging companies, including private investment and venture capital.
The protection of intellectual property rights should also be improved, he added, and more dedicated courts are needed to handle cases of this kind.
