China increases science education to boost innovation
(Xinhua) Updated：2017-09-05
China has released a series of regulations and plans to popularize science and technology and boost innovation among the public.
A science and technology progress plan published by the State Council in 2016 pledged greater efforts in education, publicity and popularization of science, vowing to raise the proportion of scientifically literate citizens to 10 percent by 2020.
A 2015 survey by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) revealed that the proportion of scientifically literate citizens has almost doubled from 3.27 percent in 2010 to 6.2 percent in 2015.
Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin scored higher, reaching 18.7 percent, 17.5 percent and 12 percent respectively, similar to levels in the U.S. and Europe at the turn of the century.
However, the scientific literacy of Chinese people overall is still relatively low compared with citizens of developed countries.
"As far as I am concerned, most undergraduates and postgraduates I know lack interest in making innovations," said a university professor of engineering who refused to be identified.
It is necessary to cultivate children's interest in science as soon as they enter school, said the professor.
Some scientific institutions have taken part in the campaign to promote science through public activities to spread scientific knowledge.
On World Meteorological Day on March 18, the China Meteorological Administration opens to the public, attracting thousands of children to learn about meteorological phenomena and avoiding natural disasters.
