China's journey of innovation and rejuvenation: Reaping the fruits of four decades of investment in science, technology, and education

As the world stands at the crossroads of uncertainty and transformation, one nation has steadily advanced with vision, perseverance, and purpose — China. From the early days of reform and opening up in 1978 to the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), China's progress has been guided by a consistent belief in the power of education, science, technology, and innovation to shape a prosperous and self-reliant future. Today, that vision — deeply rooted in the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation — is becoming a reality.

From humble beginnings to a knowledge-driven powerhouse

When China launched its reform and opening-up policy under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping in 1978, the country's education and science sectors were in dire need of reconstruction. Decades of isolation had left universities underdeveloped, scientific research fragmented, and resources limited. Yet, from those humble beginnings emerged a national determination to rebuild the intellectual and scientific foundation of the nation.

Recognizing that modernization begins with education, China made a strategic commitment to invest in its people. The late 1970s and the 1980s witnessed large-scale educational reforms: the reintroduction of the national college entrance examination (gaokao), expansion of universities, and establishment of key science and technology programs. During this decade, the government also began sending thousands of Chinese students abroad for higher education and advanced training — a move that later paid dividends as many returned with new knowledge, skills, and global perspectives.

Education as the bedrock of development

Since the 1980s, China's education budget has grown exponentially, reflecting the nation's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and promoting lifelong learning. Public spending on education as a percentage of GDP has steadily increased, surpassing 4 percent in recent years. This sustained investment has transformed China's education system into one of the largest and most advanced in the world.

By the early 2000s, China had entered a new phase — focusing on quality rather than quantity. Programs such as "Project 211," "Project 985," and the "Double First-Class Initiative" were launched to elevate top universities and key disciplines to world-class standards. These reforms encouraged academic excellence, research collaboration, and international engagement. As a result, Chinese universities such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, and Zhejiang University now rank among the world's leading institutions, recognized for both academic rigor and innovative research.

Today, China boasts more than 3,000 higher education institutions, and its universities produce millions of graduates annually, many specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This immense human capital has become the driving force behind China's innovation-led growth.

A nation of innovators: Building the research ecosystem

Parallel to educational development, China pursued a long-term vision of scientific and technological advancement. The government understood that true modernization required not only skilled minds but also robust research infrastructure and a culture of innovation. Over the last four decades, China has steadily increased its investment in science and technology, transforming itself from a technology importer to a global innovator.

As China's economy grew, so did its R&D investment. In 2024, China's R&D spending exceeded 3.6 trillion-yuan, accounting for 2.68 percent of GDP, making it the world's second-largest R&D investor after the United States. This consistent funding has created one of the most comprehensive research ecosystems in the world, encompassing universities, national laboratories, corporate R&D centers, and innovation hubs.

Chinese scientists now lead in numerous fields — from renewable energy and quantum computing to artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and biotechnology. China's rise in the Global Innovation Index, from 34th in 2012 to 10th in 2025, is a testament to this remarkable journey.

Innovation at the heart of the new development concept

In 2015, the Chinese leadership introduced the new development concept — emphasizing innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and shared benefits. This visionary framework marked a strategic shift toward high-quality development and modernization. Under this philosophy, innovation was recognized not merely as an economic driver but as the foundation for comprehensive national progress.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), China's economy demonstrated resilience and dynamism, contributing around 30 percent to global growth annually. With total economic output expected to reach 140 trillion yuan by 2025, China has stood as an "oasis of certainty" in an uncertain global landscape. Innovation-led industries, particularly new energy vehicles (NEVs), artificial intelligence, and green technologies, have played a vital role in sustaining this growth.

At the Seres Group's smart factory in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, two new-energy vehicles roll off the assembly line every minute — a vivid example of how research, innovation, and industrial application converge to transform traditional sectors. China now leads the world in NEV production and sales.

Green development: Science in service of humanity

China's technological revolution has also aligned with its commitment to sustainability. In the Kubuqi Desert of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, millions of solar panels shimmer like a sea of energy — a powerful symbol of the country's green transition. China has built the world's largest renewable energy system, and its installed capacity for wind and solar power now accounts for nearly half of the global total.

Between 2021 and 2025, Chinese exports of wind and solar technologies are projected to help other countries reduce carbon emissions by about 4.1 billion tonnes. This reflects China's dual role as both a green innovator and a responsible global partner. As it moves toward the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, China is demonstrating that economic growth and environmental protection can progress hand in hand through technological advancement.

Toward the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation

Four decades of unwavering investment in education, science, and innovation have brought China to a historic turning point. The foundations have been laid, the human capital nurtured, the infrastructure built, and the innovation ecosystem matured. Now is the time for China to reap the fruits of its long-term vision.

Looking ahead, China is entering a new stage in its modernization journey — one where science and technology will serve as the decisive forces of national rejuvenation. The 15th Five-Year Plan will serve as a roadmap for this next phase — one that transforms China's immense intellectual and technological potential into sustained national prosperity. By fostering self-reliance in key technologies, promoting green and inclusive growth, and expanding international cooperation, China is poised not only to sustain its development but to shape the global future of innovation.

The story of China's development is one of resilience, foresight, and strategic continuity. It proves that progress is not achieved overnight but through consistent policy, patient investment, and collective effort. From the classrooms of the 1980s to the laboratories and smart factories of today, China's journey reflects the wisdom of a nation that believes in learning, creation, and shared prosperity.

As China enters the next chapter of its modernization, the dream envisioned in 1978 — of a strong, prosperous, and innovative nation — is now within reach. The Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation is no longer a distant aspiration; it is becoming an unfolding reality — powered by education, driven by science, and inspired by innovation.

About the author: Zamir Ahmed Awan is a sinologist, former Pakistani diplomat and the founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance (GSRRA), based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at awanzamir@yahoo.com.