Science and technology policy management in China

Purpose – Science and technology is the bedrock in developing a knowledge‐based economy. Immense changes will be spawned by the development of science and technology. Today, China's remarkable growth has brought a great interest to the rest of the world in fostering her economic development through scientific research and technology acquisition. Whether China will be the world leader in science and technology remains a puzzle. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges of the science and technology development in strengthening China's economic growth. In this context, the purpose of the study is to provide a conceptual framework for the strategic management of science and technology policy in China. Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted based on the past and present observations and literature review. Findings – Although the concept of “policy for science” plays a pivotal role in the technology progress in China, the concept of “science for policy” should be emphasized. Hence, a unified policy framework where the concepts of “science for policy” and “policy for science” have to be incorporated and synchronized in tackling the challenges faced by current practices. Originality/value – The commitment in developing an “innovation‐oriented society” in the twenty‐first century, it is essential to lay the foundation for the framework to understand the science and technology policy management in stimulating the Chinese economic growth. The framework could be served as the basis for policy formulation and policy analysis.