Abstract
This paper demonstrates that basic research has been overshadowed by applied research in China for decades, from the perspective of S&T policy. The data involves 4,707 Chinese S&T policies during the period between 1949 and 2010, which are grouped into five phases, based on the process of S&T system reform in China. We also found that S&T policies in China are leaning more towards basic research, and the gap between basic research and applied research is shrinking.

Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cao, C. (2002). Strengthening China through science and education: China’s development strategy toward the twenty-first century. Issues & Studies, 38(3), 122–149.
Frame, J. D. (1977). Mainstream research in Latin America and the Caribbean. Interciencia, 2, 143.
Guan, J., & Ma, N. (2009). Structural equation model with PLS path modeling for an integrated system of publicly funded basic research. Scientometrics, 81(3), 683–698.
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China suggests that China (ISTIC). (2013). Statistical Data of Chinese S&T Papers 2013. Retrieved on October 28, 2013 from http://www.istic.ac.cn/ScienceEvaluateArticalShow.aspx?ArticleID=95278.
Meng, W., Hu, Z., & Liu, W. (2006). Efficiency evaluation of basic research in China. Scientometrics, 69(1), 85–101.
Mu, R., & Qu, W. (2008). The development of science and technology in China: A comparison with India and the United States. Technology in Society, 30, 319–329.
OECD. (2008). OECD reviews of innovation policy: China 2008. Paris: OECD Publishing.
Qiu, J. (2012). China’s budget backs science. Nature, 483(7389), 258.
Schubert, A., & Braun, T. (1986). Relative indicators and relational charts for comparative assessment of publication output and citation impact. Scientometrics, 9(5–6), 281–291.
Su, J., & Huang, C. (2010). Catalogue guide to the science and technology policy of China (1949–2010) (p. 2012). Shanghai: Scientific and Technical Documentation Press.
Xue, L. (1997). A historical perspective of China’s innovation system reform: a case Study. Journal of Engineering Technology Management, 14, 67–81.
Zhong, X., & Yang, X. (2007). Science and technology policy reform and its impact on China’s national innovation system. Technology in Society, 29(3), 317–325.
Zhou, P., Thijs, B., & Glänzel, W. (2009). Is China also becoming a giant in social sciences? Scientometrics, 79(3), 593–621.
Acknowledgments
We thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Numbers 71233005, 71173184, and 71203193) for financial support. We also thank Dr. Dazhi Cheng, Mr. Zhang Li, Ms. Ting Xia and anonymous reviewers for helpful comments.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Huang, C., Su, J., Xie, X. et al. Basic research is overshadowed by applied research in China: a policy perspective. Scientometrics 99, 689–694 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-013-1199-x
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-013-1199-x