What’s new: China plans to better compensate researchers whose expertise are aligned with the national objectives for academic disciplines and core technologies it aims to master, as part of a pilot reform in colleges and research institutes.
At a meeting chaired by President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, the Communist Party’s top reform policy formulation body, adopted a proposal to trial the adjustment of remuneration systems in higher education institutions and research institutes, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.
The commission emphasized that the pilot reform must be talent-oriented, performance-based and innovation-focused, the report said.
Salary allocation should prioritize teachers and researchers who undertake “urgent and arduous tasks” and make outstanding contributions, as well as those engaged in teaching “fundamental disciplines,” studying “cutting-edge” issues, and striving for breakthroughs in core technologies, the report added.
The background: China has put innovation high on its agenda, as the world’s second-largest economy looks to toward self-sufficiency, especially in certain core industries, such as semiconductors, amid an escalating tech rivalry with the U.S.
However, China’s scientific research community has long faced problems such as low welfare benefits for those engaged in basic research, which has put off some from focusing on their areas of expertise to pursue competitive programs with higher salaries.
Read more In Depth: Pressure to Schmooze Stymies China’s Drive to Recruit Top Talent
Contact reporter Wang Xintong (xintongwang@caixin.com) and editor Bertrand Teo (bertrandteo@caixin.com)
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