On the afternoon of June 11, Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a report to academicians at the biennial conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

Wen shared his experiences and opinions on the development of the science and technology industry, including structural reform, making plans and implementing key projects. He talked about some major social issues and challenges facing the new technology revolution. When speaking about the course of structural reform, Premier Wen recalled the research conducted in 1987 on the "Zhongguancun Electronic Street". The street took shape after a group of scientists and technicians from the China Academy of Science set up a service center for advanced technology in 1980.

The research conducted by the Secretariat of the Central Committee showed that companies in Zhongguancun had succeeded in applying their technology results to products and becoming part of the economy chain. Company profits and salaries rose. The structural change also led to a boost of initiatives and creativity among the science and technology personnel.

Based on the results, the central government approved the establishment of the "Beijing experimental area of the new technology industry". After 20 years, more than 20,000 high-tech companies have settled in Zhongguancun and have created various technologies and innovations.

Wen Jiabao said that a great deal importance should be attached to innovation. He also mentioned that a system that is oriented by the market should be implemented with a combination of production, teaching and research. Apart from industrializing the technology achievements, companies should also strive to be the major source of technological research.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Rakhee M