973 Program or also known as National Basic Research Program is a basic research program initiated by the People's Republic of China

People's Republic of China

China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...

 to achieve technology and strategic edge in various scientific fields and especially the development of the rare earth minerals industry.

History

The program was initiated in 1997 by the Chinese government to develop basic research, innovations and technologies aligned with national priorities in economic development and social development. The program was managed by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology. Natural Science Foundation of China is also involved in coordinating the research with the program.

Over the years the program has dedicated funding to areas such as agriculture, health, information, energy, environment, resources, population and materials.

Project funding

The central government has in the past funded projects for a term of no more than five years.. Recently, the funding model has changed to 2 + 3 years. Two years after the project has been implemented, it will be assessed by a special panel and allocate funding accordingly.

See also

• Science and technology in the People's Republic of China
  Science and technology in the People's Republic of China
  Science and technology in the People's Republic of China has been growing rapidly. As China develops and becomes more connected to the global economy, the government has placed a stronger emphasis on science and technology as an integral part of the socio-economic development of the country...
  
  
• Advanced materials industry in China
  Advanced materials industry in China
  As an important part of the national sustainable development strategy, the development of advanced materials is advancing the competitive nature and state of the art for Chinese industry. The State has put advanced materials high on its development agenda for the next decade and listed it among the...
  
  
• Project 985
  Project 985
  Project 985 is a project first announced by CPC General secretary and Chinese President Jiang Zemin at the 100th anniversary of Peking University on May 4, 1998 to promote the development and reputation of the Chinese higher education system...
  
  
• Project 211
  Project 211
  Project 211 is a project of National Key Universities and colleges initiated in 1995 by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, with the intent of raising the research standards of high-level universities and cultivating strategies for socio-economic development...
  
  
• Program 863