China could be the biggest public funder of science within two years
8 hours ago
- #research-funding
- #science-policy
- #China-US
- China is projected to become the world's biggest public funder of research, overtaking the US in the next 2-3 years.
- Government spending on R&D in China increased by 90% to $133 billion from 2013 to 2023, while US spending rose only 12% to $155 billion.
- The US has led global R&D investment since WWII; China taking the lead would mark a significant shift in scientific hegemony.
- China's spending on fundamental research more than tripled from 2013 to 2023, but remains less than half of US spending in this area.
- China aims to increase total annual research spending by at least 7% per year from 2026 to 2030.
- US government spending on fundamental research is expected to decline, potentially allowing China to surpass the US in this area within a decade.
- China's focus on fundamental and applied research is part of a broader strategy to lead economically and politically.
- Public funding in the US has historically spurred private research and innovation, contributing to business-sector productivity growth.