前三十名，全是中国：一份榜单引发的全球科学界震动

Core Viewpoint - The recent application science ranking by the Nature Index reveals that all top thirty institutions are from China, marking a significant shift in global scientific competitiveness, with China contributing 56% of global application science output compared to the USA's 10% [1][4]. Group 1: Application Science Ranking - The Nature Index's application science ranking is based on articles published in 25 application science journals and conferences, covering fields such as engineering, computer science, and food science [3]. - The Chinese Academy of Sciences ranks first, followed by Zhejiang University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Peking University, indicating a concentration of top institutions in China [3][4]. - China's application science output exceeds the combined total of the next six countries (USA, Germany, South Korea, UK, Japan, and India), showcasing a dominant advantage [4]. Group 2: Research Focus and Strategic Choices - There is a notable discrepancy between the application science ranking and the traditional comprehensive research ranking, highlighting different national research priorities [4]. - France ranks sixth in comprehensive research but falls to twelfth in application science, indicating a focus on basic research over practical application [4][5]. - South Korea, while ranked seventh in comprehensive research, excels in application science, with over 50% of its research output focused on practical applications [5]. Group 3: Implications of Research Strategies - The data suggests that countries overly focused on basic research may struggle to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape [5][6]. - Asian countries, particularly China and South Korea, emphasize research that leads to practical innovations, supported by government policies [6][8]. - The USA's shift towards prioritizing basic research has created a gap in application research, leading to challenges in translating research into practical outcomes [7][8]. Group 4: Future Prospects for China - China's leading position in application science is expected to strengthen due to factors such as scale effects, a robust talent pool, strong industrial demand, and ongoing institutional reforms [11][12][13]. - The country has become a global leader in electric vehicle production, accounting for 70% of global output, driven by extensive application science research [10][12]. - China's focus on practical applications in fields like artificial intelligence has resulted in a significant number of patents, indicating a depth of research and innovation [10][11]. Group 5: Challenges for the West - The West faces challenges in maintaining its scientific leadership, with calls for a reevaluation of research funding priorities and a balance between basic and applied research [14][15]. - The aging population in Western countries may limit funding for research, necessitating a more efficient allocation of resources [14]. - The Western scientific community is urged to adopt a more pragmatic approach to research, aligning scientific endeavors with national and societal needs [16][17].