Guizhou's 25 measures to promote reform of science, technology system

Southwest China's Guizhou province recently issued the Implementation Opinions on Reforming and Improving Provincial Financial Research Project Fund Management.

The purpose is to further promote the reform of the province's scientific and technological system, improve scientific and technological innovation, and facilitate high-quality development.

The Opinions propose 25 specific measures in seven categories – including expanding the autonomy of scientific research project funding management, improving the scientific research project funding mechanism, increasing the incentives for scientific research personnel, and reducing the administrative burden of scientific research personnel.

Giving scientific research units and researchers greater autonomy in the use of funds is the focus of reforms to the scientific and technological system.

The Opinions clarified that the direct cost budget should be prepared according to equipment cost, business cost and labor cost. Except for the equipment cost of more than 500,000 yuan ($79,643) in the direct cost, only basic calculation instructions are provided for other costs, and no details are required.

According to the specifics of different types of scientific research projects, research progress, capital needs, and fund allocation plans should be rationally formulated.

Additionally, it is necessary to strengthen performance orientation and the application of evaluation results, direct scientific research resources to outstanding talent and teams, and improve the efficiency of scientific research funds.