China stands out as a nation that has managed to encompass all industrial categories recognized by the United Nations' industrial classificationThis distinct characteristic places it at the apex of manufacturing development on a global scaleThe robust investment in science and technology has provided the backbone for substantial research and development outputsIn 2023, the nation's total expenditure on R&D surpassed 3.3 trillion yuan, positioning it as the second largest in the world in this regardMoreover, its ambitious patent applications and the number of technological clusters have earned it the top spot globallyThis foundation lays the groundwork to effectively seize the historical opportunity presented by a new wave of technological revolutions and industrial transformations.

Nevertheless, there remains an unresolved dilemma concerning the disconnect between technological research and industrial evolution, often referred to as the "dual skin" problem

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Bridging the gap between the innovation chain and industrial chain has become an essential agendaThe imperative to cultivate an environment where technological innovation can more adeptly drive industrial reform must be tackled with renewed fervor through comprehensive reformsThis would ultimately translate the prowess of technological innovation into tangible competitive advantages for industries.

As we advance further into the tumultuous realms of contemporary technological revolutions and industrial transformations, the emergence of disruptive technological innovations is proving to be a significant force in optimizing and upgrading traditional industriesThese innovations are not only accelerating the advent of new industries, business formats, and models at an unprecedented pace, but are also reshaping the landscape of economic engagementNotably, the strategic emerging industries that have seen considerable growth in recent years, as well as the promised fields of future industries, are predominantly propelled by breakthroughs in disruptive technological innovation.

Technological progress, particularly of a revolutionary nature, is non-negotiably critical in rejuvenating traditional industries, fostering new burgeoning industries, and laying the groundwork for future industries

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This is why many developed countries have placed considerable emphasis on intertwining their policies governing innovation and industrySimilarly, China is recognizing the imperative of aligning technological development with industrial needsRegions that are economically advanced and rich in scientific resources are increasingly relying on higher education institutions, research institutes, and key laboratories to expedite the transformation of scientific research outcomes into practical, competitive industrial applications.

The process of converting scientific outcomes into usable applications not only constitutes a vital link within the innovation chain but also serves as a cornerstone for enhancing the overall efficiency of the innovation chain in servicing industryA holistic innovation chain encompasses not only the stages of technological research and development but also the critical tasks of transforming innovation into industry and creating market value

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Historical insights from global experiences in technological innovation and industrial development assert that the absence of any segment from this chain dilutes its integrity, consequently undermining the dynamism of scientific innovation.

A deficit in technological research capabilities hinders the generation of intrinsic momentum necessary for advancements in industrial technology, thereby stifling the potential for sectors to integrate into the high-end segments of global industrial divisionsConversely, without avenues for converting scientific achievements into market-ready products, technological research risks stagnation, unable to validate its progress through market feedbackThis cycle of stagnation threatens the sustainability of innovationAs a nation excelling in both scientific and industrial capabilities, China possesses the foundational prerequisites to establish a complete innovation chain that spans from technical research to application

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It holds opportunities for achieving advanced levels of technological self-reliance and bolstering synergies between scientific innovation advantages and industrial development strengths.

However, for China to facilitate the conversion and practical application of more scientific achievements, there are pressing challenges that need to be addressedFirstly, the rapidly changing global landscape, marked by unprecedented upheavals, increasing regional conflicts, and a multitude of global issues, has exacerbated external pressures that hinder industrialization of scientific innovationsInstances such as western countries intensifying scrutiny of technological exchanges and personnel movements, or discontinuing certain technological cooperative initiatives, have detrimental impacts on the integration of scientific breakthroughs into industry.

Compounding these external pressures, domestically, China faces a myriad of obstacles in the process of converting technological achievements

Many technological development entities lack a clear functional positioning, leading to voids in certain segments of the innovation chainBasic technological research often designed as public goods fails to align with market requirements, while significant scientific projects occasionally overlook practical industry applications or integration as key evaluation metricsMoreover, the current financial sector's support for the innovation chain is insufficient, and there is a perceptible lack of accountability for failed innovations.

Looking towards the future, it is imperative to drive reforms that comprehensively enhance the mechanisms supporting innovationEstablishing supportive frameworks that facilitate the application of scientific innovations to industries and industrial chains is critical for modernizing traditional sectors while nurturing and expanding emerging industriesAs part of this transformation, developing future industries should be prioritized, facilitating ongoing advancement and transitioning scientific innovation capabilities into competitive advantages.

To realize these aspirations, it is essential to reform mechanisms governing the conversion of technological achievements, strengthen the national technology transfer system, and expedite the establishment of platforms for concept validation and pilot testing

Improving policies surrounding the application of initial trials and batches, as well as bolstering government funding for independently innovated products will serve the ecosystem wellEncouraging the role of enterprises as mainstays of technological innovation, a robust framework for enhancing collaboration between industry, academia, and research should be establishedFinancing strategies that align with scientific innovation endeavors, coupled with provisions for insuring against failures, will further support small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in technology, as will policies favoring long-term investments in hard science and innovative venturesEnhancing risk capital and dedicated long-term investment can also play pivotal roles in nurturing and expanding emerging industries and shaping future industrial architecturesCollectively, these efforts will deepen the integration of scientific and industrial innovation, facilitating timely industrialization of scientific achievements.