Core Viewpoint - China's total R&D expenditure has surpassed 3 trillion yuan, indicating a strong commitment to innovation and technology development, with a target of maintaining an annual growth rate of over 7% during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [2][4]. Group 1: R&D Expenditure Overview - In 2022, China's total R&D expenditure reached approximately 3.08 trillion yuan, marking a 10.11% increase from the previous year, and in 2023, it is projected to grow to about 3.34 trillion yuan, reflecting an 8.36% increase [2][4]. - The R&D expenditure intensity in 2022 was 2.54%, an increase of 0.11 percentage points from the previous year, achieving the target set in the 13th Five-Year Plan [4][6]. - By 2023, the R&D expenditure intensity is expected to rise to 2.65%, and further to 2.68% in 2024, continuing the trend of steady growth [4][6]. Group 2: Comparison with G7 Countries - In terms of R&D expenditure scale, China's R&D investment in 2022 was equivalent to 49.57% of that of the United States, maintaining its position as the second-largest globally [5][6]. - China's R&D intensity remains in the middle range among G7 countries, with 2022 figures showing it lagging behind the U.S., Japan, and Germany [6]. Group 3: Regional Disparities in R&D Investment - The gap in R&D expenditure between southern and northern regions of China has widened, with southern regions accounting for 67.21% of national R&D spending by 2023 [8][11]. - The central region's share of R&D expenditure has increased from 17.75% in 2020 to 18.20% in 2023, indicating a notable rise in its contribution [11][12]. Group 4: Leading Provinces in R&D Investment - Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Beijing continue to lead in R&D expenditure, with Guangdong and Jiangsu both surpassing 400 billion yuan in 2023 [13][14]. - The number of provinces exceeding 100 billion yuan in R&D expenditure has increased from 8 to 12 between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the rise of central provinces like Henan, Hunan, Anhui, and Fujian [13][14]. Group 5: Role of Enterprises in R&D - The proportion of R&D funding from enterprises has increased significantly, rising from 31.71% in 1995 to 79.02% in 2022, indicating a shift towards enterprise-led innovation [15][18]. - The execution of R&D funding has also shifted towards enterprises, with their share rising to 77.57% in 2022, while the roles of research institutions and universities have diminished [18][21]. Group 6: Government Support and Research Focus - Government funding for research institutions has decreased, while support for higher education institutions has increased, reflecting a strategic shift in funding priorities [20][21]. - Enterprises are primarily focused on experimental development, with a significant portion of their R&D funding directed towards internal activities, while universities are enhancing their role in basic research [23][25]. Group 7: Future Directions - The emphasis for China's R&D funding should shift from merely increasing scale to optimizing internal structures, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing the role of universities and research institutions in fundamental research [27].