New ideas and measures should be used to develop science and technology and to reform research institutes, Premier Zhu Rongji has urged.
At a science and technology summit in Beijing on Thursday, Mr Zhu stressed that progress in science and technology was crucial for economic development.
Enterprises should develop business by promoting new technology and improving staff quality, he said.
'Enterprises should intensify . . . the application of scientific and technological achievements while promoting the market potential of hi-tech items and related products,' Xinhua last night quoted Mr Zhu as saying.
Mr Zhu said practical research institutes should be encouraged to convert into enterprise-like entities while universities should have closer co-operation with business.
All research institutes should also reform their structures, lay off surplus staff and focus their research efforts on projects with business potential.
