This research project will explore and assess the principal elements of Xi Jinping’s thoughts on science and technology (S&T) based on an analysis of documentary sources. It is essential to understand Xi Jinping’s views on science, technology, and innovation in the political context of China’s development during the last three decades and his personal history from sources that relate to Chinese S&T policy and biographies that analyze Xi Jinping’s career. The analysis will be situated in a context of international trends in science, technology, and innovation policies.
The methodology will consist of a synthesis of historical analysis through a critical reading of relevant sources, together with a discourse analysis of Chinese science and technology policy. The themes that I shall address in the project include, inter alia: Xi’s grounding in Marxist theories such as seeing S&T as the first productive force in development; his adoption of a version of the “three steps” in a linear model of innovation; his promotion of self-reliance in high tech and the emerging digital economy; and his strong support for sustainable development and ecological civilization.