Date: Sept. 22, 2021

Source: Nanfang Daily Author: Liu Shiqiang

In recent years, Guangzhou has made it a goal to become the center of innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. JNU Vice President Ye Wencai argues that basic research is the source of scientific and technological innovation. He contends that high-level scientific researchers and many postgraduate students are leaders of original innovation. This is one of Guangzhou’s advantages, he says, and the city should seize this advantage and promote the original innovation of science and technology. 

Ye Suggesting to carry out more policies for young talent

Nanfang Daily: In your opinion, what is the position of Guangzhou's scientific and technological talents in China and even in the world?

Ye: In recent years, Guangzhou has accurately grasped the challenges and opportunities in the of talent policy and responded proactively to ensure that all kinds of excellent talents are willing to come, stay and develop well.

Nanfang Daily: How can Guangzhou attract more talents from home and abroad to Guangzhou for innovation and entrepreneurship?

Ye: In terms of talent-gathering, Guangzhou should pay attention to carrying out simpler policies for young talents while vigorously attracting high-level talents. This is not only the need of scientific dividend, but also a demographic dividend.

Compared with high-level talents, the introduction of young talents is cheaper and more flexible, and they are more dependent on policies in the initial stage of innovation. If the government can increase the cultivation and introduction of young talents, a win-win situation will occur between innovation vitality and urban potential.

Nanfang Daily: Why does Guangzhou vigorously develop basic research and applied basic research?

Ye: High-level scientific researchers and a large number of postgraduate students are the main body of original innovation. After all, high-level laboratories need at least 10 years to learn and accumulate experience, and Guangzhou has walked through this stage. Next, Guangzhou can use these advantages to maintain its unique technology strength in the Greater Bay Area. 

Basic research is the source of achievement transformation and new productivity. Guangzhou hopes to vigorously develop high-tech industries. These industries need high-tech technologies, while the formation of these technologies needs the support of revolutionary fruits of basic research and applied basic research.

Nanfang Daily: At present, the country is calling for reducing the burden on scientific researchers, and Guangzhou is trying to create a pioneering zone for the reform of scientific and technological systems. What barriers do you think they need to break through?

Ye: Researchers need a good scientific research environment and evaluation system. Some departments are discussing policies to support teams with outstanding performance in long-term scientific research so that the teams can have stable scientific research funding. Also, these teams will save time with no frequent applications and repeated assessments.