The government of China is overhauling its science and technology (S&T) ecosystem in ways that are sharpening geostrategic rivalry and impacting the risk portfolios managed by research security professionals. This overhaul aims to integrate basic science in priority fields with state-led mobilization of capital and S&T assets to enhance China’s global influence as an innovation hub; and advance policy goals such as self-reliance, economic and defense strength, and comprehensive national power.
Key Takeaways
- The People's Republic of China (PRC) describes technology as a battlefield and seeks to develop self-reliance and global leadership in critical areas of S&T.
- The PRC is endeavoring to build full-stack innovation chains that seamlessly connect universities, national labs, firms, the military, and markets to unleash innovation and technological diffusion at unprecedented speeds and scales.
- The PRC regards international research collaboration as an accelerant for the realization of its S&T ambitions.
- To focus its efforts, the PRC has increased centralization of administrative and ideological control over research, including through creation of a new Central Science and Technology Commission.
"China Refocuses Its Science and Technology Ecosystem on Innovation and Security” is NSF SECURE Analytics Advisory No. 1. NSF SECURE Analytics Quarterly Advisories empower the research community to identify and mitigate potential research security risks through timely, actionable information on critical areas of science and technology development with implications for international research collaboration.
Cite this essay:
NSF SECURE Analytics, “China Refocuses Its Science and Technology Ecosystem on Innovation and Security,” Advisory 1, June 2025.
