Science and Technology Policy Commons^™

Combatting Desertification Scientifically: Where Feasible, Where Necessary, Bojie Fu, Yanxu Liu, Shuai Wang, Yijia Wang, Guipeng Cui, Yue Guo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China has made remarkable achievements in combating desertification, achieving “zero net growth” in land degradation. With the goal of scientifically improving the relationship between humans and nature in drylands, the continuous exploration of new concepts, methods, and pathways for scientific desertification control will contribute to advancing the harmony between humans and nature in China’s drylands. Based on the definitions of desertification, ecological restoration baselines, and the contributions of nature to humans, we clarified the scientific implications of “controlling desertification where it is feasible and necessary”. We discussed the shift in China’s desertification prevention and control direction from “humans advancing while …

The International Decade Of Sciences For Sustainable Development: Global Progress And China’S Actions, Lin Wang, Shaofeng Hu, Fan Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD, 2024–2033) was officially launched by the United Nations in 2024, with the aim of strengthening and demonstrating the central role of science in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study systematically reviews the development of IDSSD, its governance structure, mechanisms for project solicitation and endorsement, as well as the thematic and regional distribution of endorsed initiatives. On this basis, it assesses China’s current participation and potential opportunities. During the first call for initiatives, IDSSD received 221 proposals from 52 countries, with 109 …

Theoretical Construction And Practical Transformation Of “New Science Popularization” In Process Of Chinese Modernization, Ting Wang, Haonan Du, Tian Zhu, Shihui Yang, Rongting Zhou

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Rooted in the historical context of China’s national strategy-driven science popularization (SP), this study analyzes the local practical integration of “science popularization” and “science and technology communication”. It proposes a theoretical framework for “new science popularization” suitable for a strong state-strong society collaborative governance environment, based on the fundamental hypotheses of “innovation-driven development”, “systemic coupling”, and “nodal creation”. The core argument introduces the “One Body, Two Wings; Three Layers, Three Stages” dynamic system model. This model elucidates how SP, under the unity of national strategy and human development, achieves a spiral evolution—from knowledge interconnection and literacy co-shaping to ecosystem co-creation—through …

Understanding Key Lssues In Current Artificial Intelligence Development And Governance, Meng Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

At present, as global artificial intelligence advances vigorously, the industry is engaged in intense discussions about the future direction of its development and governance, where certain consensus has been reached alongside notable divergences and controversies. This study focuses on several key contentious issues in the current development and governance of artificial intelligence, analyzes their inherent logic by combining the laws of scientific and technological progress, and puts forward corresponding solutions. Regarding the potential bubble risk, it emphasizes the need to strengthen the application of artificial intelligence in the real economy to channel and guide its development momentum. For the future …

Innovation-Oriented Science Popularization (Iosp): A New Paradigm For Frontier Science Communication And Innovation Capacity Building, Yong Ge, Yifei Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Under China’s strategy of becoming a science and technology powerhouse, traditional transmission-oriented science popularization inadequately addresses youth demands for frontier technology practice, constraining source innovation in talent cultivation. Informed by international approaches such as learning by doing and responsible research and innovation (RRI), together with domestic Chinese practices, this study formulates innovation-oriented science popularization (IOSP) as a new paradigm focusing on frontier technologies, deep experiential learning, and innovation capacity building. IOSP establishes a systematic implementation pathway through four integrated dimensions: layered content design, virtual-real fusion, industry-academia-research-user linkage, and multi-scenario coverage. Taking the Shanghai Youth Science Innovation Practice Workstation as a …

Construction Of Emerging Contaminants Risk Governance System, Cheng Li, Mingcheng Wang, Chunlei Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Emerging contaminants pose considerable risks to the ecological environment, human health, and social safety. The establishment of an emerging contaminants risk governance system constitutes a crucial component of the national ecological security strategy and the ecological civilization framework in the new era. When examined through the lens of the holistic view of national security and guided by the ecological civilization philosophy of the new era, China’s current efforts in managing emerging contaminants reveal several shortcomings—including a fragmented and incomplete risk management system, as well as preliminary stages in chemical environmental management policies and related technologies. Therefore, grounded in national conditions …

Conduction Paths And Policy Design Of New Quality Productivity Empowering Urban-Rural Integrated Development, Lulu Yang, Yi Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized that during the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, resolving the issues relating to agriculture, rural areas, and rural people must remain a top priority for the entire party, and efforts should be made to promote integrated urban-rural development. As an inevitable path to addressing the relative lag in agricultural and rural modernization, urban-rural integration has entered a new phase, transitioning from establishing institutional mechanisms to developing integrated factor allocation. This phase urgently requires new theoretical guidance and breakthroughs in dynamic models. This study constructs an …

Comparative Study On Ai Talent Cultivation In China And The United States: Strategies And Recommendations, Lexuan Li, Ke Wen, Wenjie Liu, Wei Shen, Zhenguo Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Artificial intelligence (AI), as the core driving force of the new industrial revolution, has become a strategic pillar for enhancing national competitiveness, with the cultivation of AI talent being a decisive factor. This study systematically compares the AI talent cultivation systems of China and the United States from three perspectives: strategic planning, formal education, and practical domains. The findings reveal that the U.S. has continuously and systematically advanced AI talent cultivation plans at the national level, granted institutions substantial autonomy in talent cultivation with deep integration of industry-academia-research collaboration, and established a well-developed AI innovation and entrepreneurship environment. Accordingly, the …

Research And Reflections On Model Of China’S Ai Open-Source Innovation Ecosystem, Yuntao Long, Haibo Liu, Qigang Zhu, Xudong Ren, Yanjun Wu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Open-source innovation, leveraging its strengths in collective collaboration and agile development, is increasingly becoming a core driver reshaping innovation paradigms and industrial ecosystems in the global artificial intelligence field. As a significant force in global technological development, China is actively promoting technology enterprises, research institutes, universities, and other diverse entities to deeply integrate into the construction of the global AI open-source innovation system through policy guidance, community building, and breakthroughs in large models. Based on the practical experience of building China’s AI open-source innovation ecosystem, this study systematically examines the current development status and challenges. By analyzing the operational models …

Transformation Of Open-Source Innovation Governance Of Large Models, Zhe Wang, Jinsong Cai

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Artificial general intelligence (AGI), represented by large-scale models, is a transformative driver of new-quality productive forces, making the effective construction and governance of open-source innovation commons increasingly critical. Yet traditional open-source models are under strain, and existing commons theories require further development. Model training costs rise exponentially with each iteration, while a sustainable profit cycle from innovation to industrial application has not been established, rendering long-term cost-bearing infeasible for individual organizations. The traditional community-enterprise collaboration model, once successful in generating ecosystem value, now faces escalating computing and data costs, uncertain commercial returns, and governance risks related to social and national …

Study Of Full-Process Funding Mechanisms Of National Research Institutes, Baicun Li, Ruhan A, Xiaoxuan Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Funding mechanism is a crucial institutional guarantee for national research institutes to achieve their goals and fulfill their roles. Against the backdrop of new global challenges, such as geopolitical shifts, these institutions shoulder even greater responsibilities. Therefore, to better leverage their roles, this study addresses two key issues. What funding challenges do national research institutes currently face? And what are the characteristics of a funding mechanism that can meet their needs? To answer these questions, firstly, this study systematically analyzes the prominent problems faced by the funding mechanisms of national research institutes in China. Subsequently, it analyzes the characteristics of …

Synergistic Strategies For Regional ‘Zero-Waste City’ Construction, Xiaolong Liu, Zongguo Wen, Yanyan Tang, Xiangwan Du

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

“Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development” emphasizes deepening cross-administrative cooperation, and improving mechanisms for inter-regional planning coordination, industrial collaboration, and benefit sharing to promote regional linked development. While China’s “zero-waste city” initiative has achieved remarkable results, its long-term sustainability necessitates a shift towards coordinated regional synergy. This requires establishing enduring mechanisms for collaborative solid waste governance that transcend governmental, hierarchical, and departmental boundaries. The ultimate goal is to optimize the allocation of waste treatment resources between neighboring and even non-adjacent regions, foster a …

Research Progress On Economic Impact Of Animal Diseases, Zhen Xu, Haizhao Zhang, Zizhong Shi, Hui Zhou, Xiangdong Hu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Animal diseases not only pose significant challenges to the stable development of related industries such as livestock farming but also adversely affect the broader economic and social landscape. This paper presents the reviews on the current state of research both domestically and internationally, systematically presenting the advancements of the economic impacts of animal diseases. The findings reveal that, (1) the economic impacts of animal diseases can be categorized into direct and indirect effects; however, a unified analytical framework has yet to be established. The “Epidemiology-Economics” approach is the primary analytical method for assessing the economic impacts of animal diseases. (2) …

Research On Signal Perception System Of Key Technology Regulation In The United States, Kaile Wang, Hao Liu, Yunwei Chen

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The purpose of the study is to analyze the operation mechanism of the key technology control signal perception system, and reveal the deep logic and basic procedures of the United States’ external technical containment. Through literature review and information mining, this study analyzes the structural features of the U.S. key technology control signal perception system, such as “front-end technical perception and technology locking”, “mid-end technical evaluation and risk identification”, and “back-end technical control response and dynamic sanctions”. It further explores the participating subjects and role positioning of the United States in key technology control signal perception, the sources and mechanisms …

Data Centers In Mountain West Markets, 2026, Cason Noll, Krish Sharma, Maisoon Faris, Olivia K. Cheche, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Transportation & Infrastructure

This fact sheet reports on the distribution and geographic concentration of data centers across the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah as of March 6th, 2026. Using data from DataCenterMap, this fact sheet examines the number of data centers in each Mountain West state and further analyzes market-level  distribution, defined as cities within each state where data centers are located. The data are used to compare state totals and to rank Mountain West markets from highest to lowest based on the number of data centers operating in that area.

Opportunities, Challenges, And Conspicuous Absences: An Integrative Review Of The Social Work Literature On Artificial Intelligence, Michael J. Massey, Ian G. Williams, Grace C. Polistina, Eathan A. Breaux

Publications and Research

INTRODUCTION: Social work discourse regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in practice, research, and education has proliferated over the last 5 years, reflecting both excitement over its potential and ambivalence about its ethical challenges. However, the extent to which social work is fully engaging with the structure of AI and its enormous impacts on the environment, labour, and distribution of power remains unclear.

METHODS: An integrative review of social work literature from 2020–2024 was conducted to address two research questions: 1) What is the nature of the social work discourse related to AI? 2) To what extent is the discourse …

Underground Space Economy: Industrial Foundation And Strategic Path Under Connotative Development Background, Rong Yi, Lina Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In the new stage of China’s urban development from large-scale incremental expansion to stock improvement and efficiency improvement, underground space, as an important land space resource, has become increasingly prominent because of its strategic value and potential. Promoting the transformation of underground space development and utilization from engineering construction orientation to system governance and comprehensive utilization is an important apprach to implement the requirements of urban connotative development and improve the efficiency of resource and space utilization. The large-scale development of underground space development and utilization drives the agglomeration and systematic development of underground space related industries, which lays a …

Development Pathways And Strategies For Enhancing Resilience Of Underground Space In China’S Megacities, Xiangsheng Chen, Dong Su, Zezhou Wu, Kaihang Han, Xingtao Lin, Xiangpeng Cao, Weibin Chen

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As China’s urbanization enters the phase of enhancing quality and efficiency of existing assets, megacities are facing dual pressures of resource constraints and safety risks. Underground space, as a key carrier for urban resilience, holds urgent strategic significance for high-quality development. This study systematically analyzes the current status, challenges, and future trends of underground space development in China’s megacities, focusing on two core issues: “resilience enhancement of existing underground space” and “resilience-oriented development of deep underground space”. It proposes a systematic development path covering “digital base–intelligent platform–key technologies–collaborative governance”. The study emphasizes the need to comprehensively enhance the disaster prevention, …

Strategic Path For High-Quality Development Of Urban Underground Space In The Yangtze River Delta Region Under Geological Safety Constraints, Weiya Ge, Rui Wang, Yunfeng Li, Jian Hua, Yang Yang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As one of China’s most dynamic economic regions, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) has approached the upper limit of surface land development, making underground space a critical strategic resource for urban renewal, compact spatial restructuring, and resilient city construction. Nevertheless, rapid expansion of underground development, combined with increasingly tight surface constraints, has led to the superposition of multiple geological hazards, which has become a key bottleneck restricting high-quality underground space utilization in the YRD. Based on comprehensive geological safety assessments of YRD cities, this study identifies six major geological risks, namely, land subsidence, karst collapse, landslides and debris flows, mining-induced …

Suggestions On Development And Industry Layout Of Special Underground Space In Western China, Shishu Zhang, Xinjian Liu, Meng Wang, Shihan Shan, Congyan Ran, Weitao Chen, Xiaoping Zhao, Siyun Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Western China has abundant resources and takes an important strategic position. Facing the dual pressure of scarce surface space and ecological protection constraints, special underground space becomes the core carrier for releasing development potential, such as space used for energy storage, material storage, and strategic repository. This research conducts a systematic comparative analysis of the underground space function of the Eastern China and the Western China based on the differential positioning in national strategic perspective. The utilization of underground space in the eastern region focuses on urban underground infrastructure while that in the western region focuses on special underground space …

Opportunities And Development Path Of Underground Space Industry For Urban Renewal And Energy Transition, Bo Zhang, Hongzhi Yao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Driven by the two strategic opportunities of urban renewal and energy transition, the underground space industry is set to experience a new round of development boom. This study focuses on the improvement and efficiency enhancement of underground space during the urban renewal process and the utilization of underground space resource for the new energy system construction, and sorts out the key development directions of the industry. Based on the layout principle of “tailoring measures to local conditions and cities”, and in combination with the social and economic conditions and resource endowment of each region across the country, differentiated regional industrial …

Study And Reflection On Undergroundization Of Critical Infrastructure In Megacities From Perspective Of National Strategy, Kaiguo Jia, Baohua Huang, Lina Ye, Tengfei Guo, Rong Yi

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Critical infrastructures are vital strategic resources, directly impacting national security and the operation of economy and society. Twenty-two megacities and large cities in China, due to the concentration of resources and poorly concealed distribution of critical infrastructure, face multiple risks such as warfare attack, natural disaster, and facilitiy aging. Incorporating the undergroundization of critical infrastructure into national strategy is an imperative choice for national security, resilient city, and high-quality growth. International practices have proven the advantages of underground development in terms of protection and space optimization. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, it is recommended to adopt strategies such as …

Practice And Multidimensional-Coupling Planning Methods Of Underground Space Utilization Of Megalopolis, Xiaodong Shi, Kejie Wu, Yiting Zhao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As megacities enter a phase of stock improvement as well as intensive and efficient development, underground space planning has evolved from an engineering issue into a strategic topic concerning territorial security, resource allocation efficiency, and urban resilience. The establishment of a clear hierarchical underground space planning system and the improvement of underground space control methods are the important prerequisites for ensuring the sustainable utilization of underground space resources. In line with the territorial spatial planning system, the systematic planning and control methods have been explored from the perspective of strictly adhering to the ecological bottom line, coordinating functional facilities, and …

On Enactment Of “Underground Space Law”, Hong Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

With urban development shifting from a phase of large-scale incremental expansion to one focused on intensive development with improved quality and efficiency, underground space is set to become a key direction for urban expansion. Currently, China lacks special and unified national legislation on underground space, while many places have issued local regulations and local government rules. Based on an overview of the issues in the management of underground space development and utilization, this study analyzes the necessity and feasibility of enacting an “underground space law”. It further proposes the establishment and improvement of relevant legal systems in areas such as …

Monetary System Upgrade Driven By Financial Technology: Path Exploration And Practical Insights Based On E-Cny, Chen Chen, Hong Chi, Ping Zhang, Yilei Liang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Financial technology (fintech) is a key variable reshaping national financial competitiveness, and promoting the digital upgrade of the monetary system is a core task in building a financially strong nation. As a pivotal component of the monetary system, the electronic Chinese yuan (e-CNY), based on its inherent fintech attributes, serves as a critical practice for driving the monetary system towards a more advanced stage of evolution. Currently, the traditional monetary system faces three major challenges: low efficiency and high risks in cross-border payments, structural attenuation in monetary policy transmission, and a lack of digital safe-haven assets. Starting from the pilot …

Practices, Experiences, And Insights From Major Developed Economies On Green And Low-Carbon Technology Innovation Policies, Baihe Gu, Hongqian Wang, Yuling Sun, Dan Chen

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The transition toward green and low-carbon development has become a significant global trend for future growth. This study focuses on policy frameworks that support innovation in green and low-carbon technologies. It reviews the practices of major developed economies, such as the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan in this field, and synthesizes their experiences across key dimensions such as industrial policy, innovation actors, innovation ecosystems, funding mechanisms, and international cooperation. Drawing on these insights, and taking into account China’s unique advantages and challenges in green and low-carbon technological innovation, the paper offers policy recommendations aimed at …

Practices And Reflections On Systematic Construction Of Proof-Of-Concept Center, Weiwei Zhang, Pengju Zhao, Yu Chu, Minglei Ding

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As a crucial vehicle for the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation in the “first mile”, the proof-of-concept (PoC) center is increasingly playing a pivotal role in areas such as outcome assessment, risk control, and technology transfer. This study systematically reviews the phased achievements in the construction of PoC centers in China. It addresses the challenges faced in the current development of PoC centers, including the lack of a value consensus in the institutional system, value-sharing collaborative channels, and value-coexisting resource allocation. The study analyzes the practical explorations of the PoC Center under the Science and …

Strategic Research On Rebco High-Temperature Superconducting Tapes, Tianping Ying, Dongliang Wang, Pengtao Yang, Lin Zhao, Zhongtang Xu, Ziyi Liu, Chao Yao, Yanwei Ma, Xingjiang Zhou, Jinguang Cheng, Zhong Fang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

High-temperature superconducting materials, represented by REBCO (REBa2Cu3O7-δ, where RE denotes rare-earth elements), are of significant strategic importance in fields such as energy, healthcare, and large-scale scientific facilities due to their excellent performance in the liquid nitrogen temperature range. However, they still face severe challenges in long-tape uniformity, production cost, and engineering reliability. Future development must shift toward a “material-processing-application” collaborative innovation model, aiming at enhancing flux pinning, optimizing the interfaces and mechanical properties of the multilayer structure, and integrating scalable and intelligent fabrication technologies to promote the low-cost and stable production of high-performance tapes. This study analyzes the core application …

Opportunities And Challenges In Synthetic Biology For Manufacture Of Bulk Chemicals, Xiaolin Shen, Qipeng Yuan

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Traditional chemical manufacturing, reliant on fossil resources, meets material demands but faces challenges such as resource depletion, environmental pollution, and carbon emissions. This underscores the urgent need for a shift towards green and sustainable production methods. Biomanufacturing, which uses renewable resources to produce chemicals, offers a promising pathway for the chemical industry’s green transition. In recent years, biomanufacturing has emerged as a key area of global attention. Through synthetic biology, bulk chemicals like 1,3-propanediol have been successfully produced. Nevertheless, biomanufacturing of bulk chemicals still faces significant challenges, including high costs, low efficiency, and limited scalability. This is particularly true for …

Promoting Water Security Of South-To-North Water Diversion Project For National Water Network, Quanfa Zhang, Guihua Liu, Chesheng Zhan, Xiaobo Ren

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project is a crucial infrastructure initiative aiming at optimizing nation-wide distribution of water resources, meanwhile fostering sustainable economic and social development, and ensuring the well-being of the people. The project, with its extensive scope and high technical complexity, particularly in the middle and west routes located in biodiversity hotspots such as the Qinling Mountains and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, may alter local microclimates, potentially triggering meteorological disasters such as droughts, thunderstorms, and hail, along with secondary hazards. The implementation of the project may also disrupt the local hydrological conditions, disturb the balance of the existing atmospheric-vegetation-soil system, …