China has picked up pace in toughening up its sci-tech popularization capabilities. On November 4, the 12th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee was convened in Beijing, during which the draft revision of The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Popularization of Science and Technology was submitted for deliberation. The current version of this law was promulgated and implemented in 2002, making this the first revision in 22 years.

The significance of upgrading the law

Since its issuance, the current law has played a significant role in promoting science and technology popularization, enhancing citizens' scientific and cultural literacy, and driving innovative development. The proportion of citizens with scientific literacy in China has increased from 1.98 percent in 2003 to 14.14 percent in 2023, and the country's ranking in the Global Innovation Index has risen from 34th in 2012 to 11th in 2024.

Sci-tech popularization is a fundamental task needed to achieve innovative development. Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, Yin Hejun, said the law's draft revision has added two new chapters, "Science Popularization Activities" and "Science Popularization Personnel," totaling 8 chapters and 60 articles.

"China has entered a new stage of development. Although the sci-tech popularization sector has flourished, it is necessary to revise the existing law as several issues remain," said Yin.

He highlighted some key issues that needed to be addressed, including insufficient recognition of the importance of and the lack of initiative in sci-tech popularization, inadequate supply of high-quality sci-tech popularization products and services, lagging behind in the building of sci-tech popularization teams, and relatively weak relevant infrastructure.

Elevating the importance of sci-tech popularization

The draft focuses on addressing the prominent issues in developing sci-tech popularization to adapt to new situations and requirements. It incorporates the latest reforms and advancements in the field, elevates practical policies and proven practices to legal standards, and optimizes innovation systems and mechanisms.

New articles have also been added to the draft. For example, Article 5 of the draft adds a provision stating that the country places sci-tech popularization on an equal footing with scientific and technological innovation. Article 6 stipulates that science popularization work should promote the scientific spirit and the spirit of scientists, adhere to ethical norms in science and technology, and oppose and resist pseudoscience.

In addition, the draft details the responsibilities of schools, research institutions, enterprises and social organizations, encouraging them to spread sci-tech knowledge to a wider audience.

Enhancing sci-tech popularization activities

As for the promoting of science popularization activities, the draft makes relevant provisions, including:

•Supporting the creation of science popularization content and developing the sci-tech popularization industry.

•Promoting the marketization of public sci-tech popularization services and encouraging the establishment of science popularization enterprises.

•Facilitating the integration of sci-tech popularization with industries such as culture and tourism.

•Strengthening sci-tech popularization in key areas, clarifying that the country promotes the dissemination and application of new technologies and knowledge.

•Enhancing the review and monitoring of sci-tech popularization information, taking timely measures against pseudoscientific and anti-scientific information.

•Strengthening the evaluation of sci-tech popularization work, clarifying that the country improves the evaluation system for sci-tech popularization work and the monitoring and evaluation system for the public's scientific literacy.

Guarantee for sci-tech popularization

Talent is the key to effective sci-tech popularization, and the draft stipulates several regulations to encourage this, including:

•Strengthening the training and exchange of sci-tech popularization staff.

•Supporting qualified universities and vocational schools in setting up and improving disciplines and majors related to sci-tech popularization.

Finally, the draft emphasizes that governments and social departments should strengthen guarantee measures:

•The country should construct an improved, open, and shared national sci-tech popularization resource database and public service platform.

•Research institutions, enterprises, and schools, as well as administrative departments related to science and technology, should establish evaluation standards and institutional mechanisms to promote sci-tech popularization.

•Social forces should be encouraged to set up sci-tech popularization awards.