The practice of science and technology associations undertaking functions transferred from the government in China: some key issues

Abstract

Ever since 1988 when Mr. Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect of the reform and opening-up policy, proposed that “science and technology are the primary produc-tive forces”, China emphasized the contribution of science and technology to the development of economy and society. Therefore, science and technology associa-tions (S&T associations,科技社团, kejishetuan) organized by scientists and techni-cians have been encouraged by the government to serve the nation’s development strategy. On the one hand, the integration of science and public affairs calls for the collaboration between the government and S&T associations in order to implement the administrative reform that limits the government and optimizes government functions. On the other hand, in the international innovation-oriented competition, the construction of an innovative country also depends on S&T associations to take over the tasks of gathering science and technology talents and improving science literacy of the entire population.