During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region reportedly made considerable progress in science and technology, while the vitality of its sci-tech innovation continued to increase, providing strong support for the region's high-quality development.

Scientific research investment increased

Over the five-year period, the regional funds for supporting Inner Mongolia's scientific research projects and activities increased from 912 million yuan ($136.83 million) in 2016 to 1.42 billion yuan in 2020, an increase of 55.7 percent, with total funds issued of 5.96 billion yuan.

Meanwhile, during the period, Inner Mongolia implemented 1,359 national science and technology projects and received 858 million yuan in grants from the central government.

Sci-tech innovation results achieved

From 2016 to 2020, Inner Mongolia implemented 273 major science and special technology projects and 2,436 applied technology research and development projects. 

These focused on supporting a range of key core technologies, equipment and independent product development in the fields of modern agriculture and animal husbandry, strategic emerging industries and social development.

System improved for sci-tech achievements commercialization

Inner Mongolia revised its Regulations on Promoting the Commercialization of Scientific and Technological Achievements in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It also issued policy documents – including Eight Measures to Promote the Commercialization of Scientific and Technological Achievements in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as well as the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Technology Transfer Service System Construction Plan. 

In addition, 96 reform policies and innovation measures were drafted and many measures were undertaken to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups.

Scientific innovation platform strengthened

Inner Mongolia has established 47 scientific research institutes, including the Baotou Rare Earth R&D Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Inner Mongolia Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It has also been pragmatic in its recruitment and training of personnel, key core technology research, as well as the commercialization of research achievements and applications.

Scientific research talent, groups continued to emerge

From 2016 to 2020, 38 Inner Mongolian people were included in the National High-level Talent Support Program and 17 of its people were involved in the Innovative Talent Promotion Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology. 

Meanwhile, 163 people were selected in the Grassland Talents project, while 77 innovative and entrepreneurial teams and seven innovative and entrepreneurial bases were developed.

Technological innovation, entrepreneurship expand

As of the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period, Inner Mongolia has 12 business incubators at the national level and 42 at the autonomous region level.

It was also home to 58 State-recorded innovation incubators, 163 innovation incubators rated at the autonomous region level, one national university science park and 60 autonomous region-level science and technology service demonstration institutions.