China's government: Five-Year Plan will focus on enhancing training and support for top-tier science and technology researchers

China's government: Five-Year Plan will focus on enhancing training and support for top-tier science and technology researchers

China’s Five-Year Plan Prioritizes Science and Technology Talent Development

China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) emphasizes strengthening domestic scientific and technological capabilities, with a strategic focus on training and supporting top-tier researchers to drive innovation and economic growth. The plan, outlined by the government, aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology while addressing structural challenges such as a slowing property sector and U.S. export restrictions.

A key component of the plan is increasing investment in research and development (R&D). UBS analysts project that R&D spending will grow at least 7% annually, raising its share of GDP to 3.2% by 2030 from 2.7% in 2024. This aligns with Beijing’s goal of achieving “moderately developed” status, with per capita GDP projected to rise from $14,000 in 2025 to $25,000–$30,000 by 2035. The plan outlines a three-tier strategy: bolstering basic research, expanding AI and digital infrastructure, and applying advanced technologies to fields like quantum computing, biomanufacturing, and brain-computer interfaces.

To attract and retain talent, China is intensifying efforts to recruit overseas researchers. A “reverse brain drain” has accelerated as U.S. policies, including stricter visa rules and research funding cuts, create uncertainty for scientists. At least 85 U.S.-based researchers joined Chinese institutions in 2024 alone, with many drawn by competitive funding, housing stipends, and government-backed programs like the Qiming initiative, which targets semiconductors, AI, and quantum science. New policies, such as the “K visa” for young science talents, further streamline recruitment.

The plan also emphasizes upgrading traditional industries to reduce foreign dependency, while fostering domestic consumption to balance economic growth. However, challenges remain, including China’s slower R&D commercialization compared to the U.S. and geopolitical tensions that could disrupt collaboration.

As detailed guidelines are finalized ahead of March 2026’s legislative meetings, the plan signals a long-term shift toward innovation-driven growth, with implications for global tech competition and investment trends.