The BFA Eyes on Trends in Sci-Tech Innovation

B站影视 2025-01-20 19:02 2

摘要:At the launch event, Secretary General Zhang Jun said that the BFA attaches great importance to trends in global scientific and te

On January 17, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) launched the Boao Forum for Asia Innovation Report 2024.

At the launch event, Secretary General Zhang Jun said that the BFA attaches great importance to trends in global scientific and technological innovation, actively exploring the application and governance of cutting-edge technologies while prioritizing technological cooperation and regional integrated development on its agenda. The BFA has continuously incorporated frontier topics on scientific and technological innovation in its annual conference agenda and has led relevant discussions. The BFA also successively held International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ISTIF) in Macao, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai. Additionally, the BFA publishes innovation report annually. The annual conference, ISTIF and innovation report form a "trinity" that constitutes a platform to promote global and regional scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation.

Zhang Jun pointed out that the BFA Innovation Report 2024is the fourth innovation report released by the BFA. It follows the realities of the technological innovation field and adopts a broadening global perspective that goes beyond pure science and technology to provide a better understanding of technological innovation landscape. It forecasts ten trends of global scientific and technological innovation, including "the complex and intricate external environment hinders scientific and technological collaboration and innovation"; "national strategy serves as a guiding framework for scientific and technological innovation, highlighting the effectiveness of policies"; "intensive explosion of cutting-edge technologies leads to increasing uncertainties"; and "innovation in the field of sustainable development persists", etc. Meanwhile, the report also conducts a thorough analysis of the global and Asian technology development trends, the application of cutting-edge innovations, and regional scientific and technological cooperation, providing insights and recommendations. The BFA encourages all stakeholders to guide and use technological forces for global economic growth, regional cooperation and economic integration, therefore to better respond to global risks and challenges.

Zhang Jun said the BFA is committed to working in four key areas within the field of scientific and technological innovation. First, we will work to foster a more open and inclusive innovation ecosystem and research environment. The BFA Innovation Report 2024indicates that, driven by geopolitical factors, global technological development is increasingly trending toward deglobalization. Countries are prioritizing localization and self-sufficiency in scientific and technological innovation and application to a greater extent, while strengthening control over certain items and entities. Technological blockades and decoupling across the globe are intensifying the fragmentation of the technological system. This stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of cooperation and win-win development, as well as the international community's consensus on mutual progress. In the context of a more multipolar world and deepening economic globalization, technological innovation has long transcended traditional national borders. Going it alone or building small yards with high fences will hardly lead to true technological progress. Instead, they will only further widen the technological gap and increase economic uncertainty. The BFA remains committed to upholding multilateralism and regional cooperation, actively promoting dialogue and collaboration in international scientific and technological innovation, and devoted to a positive, open, inclusive, fair, and non-discriminatory global innovation ecosystem and environment.

Second, we will work to harness the driving forces of technological innovation and provide new impetus for economic growth. Science and technology are the primary productive forces and the foremost source of competitiveness. According to statistical data, technological progress contributes approximately 80% to the economic growth of developed countries, and in China, the contribution rate exceeded 60% in 2023. The BFA Innovation Reportreveals that in the midst of unprecedented global changes, an increasing number of countries are optimizing their technological strategies at the national level to build competitive advantages. More and more enterprises are focusing on frontier research and tackling core scientific and technological challenges to fuel industrial growth. Scientific and technological innovation today is driving the emergence of new industries, business models, and economic drivers, while also opening up new fields, tracks, and business formats. This provides strong momentum and support for developing new productive forces and stimulating new points of economic growth. The BFA will continue to prioritize economic development, promote scientific and technological innovation, and better lead industrial transformation and upgrading, drive sustainable economic growth, and facilitate regional cooperation and economic integration.

Third, we will work to leverage the power of technology to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. Currently, global economic growth is slow, and the international community is significantly behind in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. To accelerate the relevant work and ensure the timely achievement of set goals, we need not only unwavering confidence and determination but also robust technological strength as a solid foundation. As shown in the BFA Innovation Report 2024, scientific and technological innovation in the field of sustainable development is gradually increasing, with an increasing number of related patents and proactive efforts by enterprises to engage in global initiatives such as combating climate change. Various factors indicate that technological innovation is providing more effective tools to tackle global challenges and offering better solutions for advancing sustainable development. The BFA will stick to the path of sustainable development, actively promote the comprehensive and timely implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The BFA supports the vigorous promotion of the widespread application of emerging technologies, strengthens the capability building in developing countries and will take effective measures to foster technological connectivity. These efforts aim at addressing global challenges such as climate change and achieving green, high-quality development.

Fourth, we will work to build a people-oriented, technology for good, equal and inclusive global governance in the field of science and technology. The BFA Innovation Report 2024shows that the process of bringing frontier technologies to fruition is fraught with uncertainties and potential risks, which not only complicates technological governance but also sparks ongoing controversies and doubts. Regulatory bodies have yet to fully explore or prepare for key areas such as standard-setting, privacy protection, and preventing misuse in response to the challenges posed by rapid scientific and technological advancements. The competition and confrontation among major powers also have a negative impact on global governance. While technology is a powerful tool for development, it also has the potential to become a source of risk. Only by upholding the principles of people-centered development, technology for good, and equality and inclusiveness can we refine regulations, enhance oversight, and ensure that scientific and technological advancements genuinely serve and benefit humanity. The BFA calls for strengthening global multilateral governance in the field of science and technology, fully leveraging the role of the United Nations to build a more universal consensus and establish common standards. Our collective efforts can make the world safer, fairer, and more equal. Additionally, the BFA also advocates for enhancing the capacity building of countries in the Global South, bridging the technological, digital, and development divides, and working together to build a global community of science and technology, as well as a community of shared future for mankind.

Zhang Jun stated that advancing regional economic integration, promoting Asian cooperation, and pursuing shared development are central to the mission of the BFA. Collaboration and integration in technological innovation serve as critical drivers and key elements of regional cooperation. The BFA will continue to prioritize and focus on technological innovation. Our attention will be directed toward major global strategic trends and pressing issues. The BFA will address key topics such as advancing regional economic integration, achieving sustainable development, identifying new economic drivers, fostering pragmatic cooperation, and building stronger mutual trust. We aim to offer Boao suggestions for high-quality and sustainable development in China, Asia, and the world, and contribute Boao wisdom to building a more open, cooperative, and inclusive global economy that benefits all.

Secretary General Zhang Jun also responded to reporters’ questions regarding the potential impact of the new U.S. administration’s technology policies on Asia and the global landscape. He noted that global scientific and technological development currently faces numerous challenges, many of which stem from human factors that disrupt and undermine international cooperation. Zhang emphasized that scientific progress is a shared aspiration of all nations and that scientific and technological achievements constitute a common heritage of humanity. Every country has the right to development. All parties should foster dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and expand common ground to advance exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, thereby driving global progress and development in this field. The overextension of national security concepts in the tech sector, the establishment of technological monopolies, and the malicious suppression of other countries' tech companies both undermine international cooperation and fail to solve domestic issues. These approaches are not the right path forward. In today’s complex international environment, Zhang urged Asian countries to maintain strategic autonomy, prioritize innovation-driven development, and deepen both international and regional cooperation. By building regional hubs of technological excellence and leveraging collective strengths, Asian nations can drive their own progress while contributing to global advancement. He highlighted the importance of bolstering independent innovation, strengthening technological research, and enhancing core competitiveness. Zhang also stressed the need to uphold principles of mutual respect, fairness, equality, and non-discrimination while promoting openness and win-win outcomes. He called for greater international collaboration and exchange in science and technology to address global challenges and ensure that technological advancements better serve humanity.

来源:博鳌亚洲论坛

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