To establish itself in the global front rank of biotech innovation, China has issued the National Program on Bioscience Technology Development 2010-2020. The program, which was issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, establishes a series of ambitious, very specific goals for developing a world-class biotech industry in China. As a starter, China wants to produce three to five top biotech scientists with international reputations and Nobel Prize potential by 2020.

There are four major points to the program. By 2020, the National Program plans to:

1. Produce 3-5 world-class scientists in bioscience, especially in the areas of biofuel and treatment of major diseases;
2. Build a "biotech talent pyramid,” focusing on five major areas, including development of world-class scientific talent, first-rank innovation and teams, leadership, industry expertise, and biotech management;
3. Cultivate 30-50 world-class innovators and a number of innovation teams in the areas of: genomics and functional genomics, stem cells and tissue engineering, transgenic plants and animals, cloned animals, and neuroscience;
4. Produce 300-500 leaders in the field, 30,000-50,000 specialists, and 300,000 bio-industry experts in the areas of bio-medicine, bio-agriculture, bio-manufacturing, and bio-environment; cultivate and develop 3000-5000 senior managers in biotechnology.

Approximately 250,000 people are already working in various areas of biotech in the PRC. However, the new program specifically admits that the industry still lags behind that of other advanced countries. The report cites four particular problems:

1. A general shortage in the total number of biotechnology experts in China;
2. A lack of first-rank scientists;
3. A shortage in the number of people who return to China after they go abroad to study;
4. A lack of innovative research and innovative entrepreneurs.

The program more than doubles the number of people who will be working in biotechnology – from 250,000 to at least 550,000. To encourage innovation, China will have to provide financial support to its innovative companies. We await details on these measures eagerly.

Disclosure: none.