Multiple departments have jointly issued a document to strengthen scientific and technological innovation in the ecological environment.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Education, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and 13 other departments recently jointly issued the “Implementation Opinions on Strengthening Scientific and Technological Innovation in the Field of Ecological Environment and Promoting the Construction of a Beautiful China” (hereinafter referred to as the “Implementation Opinions”). On the 23rd, a reporter learned from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment that these Implementation Opinions were formulated to pool the efforts of relevant departments in the ecological and environmental field, jointly advance scientific and technological development in this area, and provide an important basis and guidance for local governments, research institutes, universities, and enterprises to promote innovation in ecological and environmental science and technology.

　　A responsible official from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment stated that comprehensively advancing the building of a Beautiful China is a complex, system‑wide undertaking that calls for transformation across all sectors, comprehensive improvements in every dimension, development throughout all regions, and concerted action by the entire society. The ecological and environmental sector must provide all‑round, end‑to‑end scientific and technological support for this endeavor, while also relying on the backing and active participation of relevant fields, pertinent government departments, and society at large.

　　The “Implementation Opinions” propose “fostering an open and inclusive environment for scientific and technological innovation in the ecological and environmental sector.” According to the official, the document, in light of the inherent patterns of scientific and technological development in this field, dedicates a separate chapter to “building an open and inclusive ecosystem for innovation in ecology and the environment.” It outlines tasks such as establishing a coordinated and integrated policy framework for ecological and environmental science and technology, strengthening the role of enterprises as the primary drivers of innovation, and constructing a robust, market‑oriented system for green technological innovation. The document also specifies concrete measures, including nurturing leading enterprises in ecological and environmental technologies, supporting enterprises in taking the lead or participating in major technological breakthroughs and regional demonstration projects, and improving mechanisms for the commercialization and application of innovations. Furthermore, it calls for enhanced international scientific and technological cooperation on global environmental governance, thereby highlighting the distinctive characteristics of this specialized field.

　　The Implementation Opinions stipulate that by 2035, the overall effectiveness of the innovation system in the field of ecological environment will be significantly enhanced; China’s national strategic scientific and technological capabilities will be comprehensively strengthened; major breakthroughs will be achieved in the theories and methodologies of ecological and environmental protection; the technical and equipment levels of a number of critical technologies and systems, such as environmental monitoring and modeling, will be substantially improved; and both original innovation capacity and the ability to transfer and commercialize research outcomes will be markedly strengthened.

　　To achieve the 2035 goals, the aforementioned official stated that the “Implementation Opinions” outline five major initiatives for scientific and technological innovation in the ecological and environmental field: an initiative to strengthen basic research; an initiative to tackle key technologies; an initiative to promote the transfer and application of ecological and environmental scientific and technological achievements; an initiative to optimize platforms and bases for scientific and technological innovation; and an initiative to lead and enhance the development of high-caliber scientific and technological talent.

　　“The Implementation Opinions set forth three sets of safeguard measures: strengthening organizational implementation, enhancing financial support, and bolstering open cooperation,” said the official. Moving forward, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will work with relevant departments to jointly advance the implementation of related tasks and coordinate and reinforce policy support for major initiatives in ecological and environmental science and technology innovation. (Reporter Li He)

[Editor-in-charge: Zhu Jiaqi]

Source: Science and Technology Daily