China Science, Technology, Innovation, and Industrial Ecosystems

China’s rise as an advanced technological, innovation, and industrial powerhouse is one of the most profound developments in the reshaping of the 21st century global economic and technological order, with far-reaching implications for the economic competitiveness and national security of the United States and the rest of the world. But China’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies and plans are not well understood. Beijing’s policy environment is increasingly opaque and its policy implementation processes complex and decentralized. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)—who are most impacted by China’s policies—lack the information necessary to identify, advocate for, and implement appropriate responses.

The Chinese Science, Technology, Innovation, and Industrial Policy (STIIP) program, implemented by the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC), is a three-year research and engagement program aimed at bridging this knowledge gap. STIIP rigorously maps the evolution and operation of the Chinese STI policy architecture, bringing transparency to the Chinese STIIP system as a whole and highlighting critical areas such as financial flows, implementation mechanisms, and the relationship between key organizations and individuals.

The program is led by Tai Ming Cheung and Barry Naughton. Research partners include the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), the largest European research institute focused on contemporary China, and the Rhodium Group’s China research team. The program also pools resources from a diverse global network that includes the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), the UC San Diego 21st Century China Center, and organizations in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia.