Chapter 17 - Science and technology
An important new dynamic in the next half decade will be the
revolution in science and technology. The government is pouring funds into
R&D on a scale likely to propel China
further and faster on its development trajectory than most observers currently
estimate.[1146]
17.1
Collaborative scientific activity is an often-understated
aspect of the relationship between Australia and China. This chapter considers China's
growing influence in international science and technology and examines the
extent of Australia's
current links with China,
the benefits arising from these links, and the potential for strengthening and
expanding the relationship.
Chinese science and technology
17.2
All science-related submissions to this inquiry commented
on China's
growing international influence and the scale of its investment in scientific
endeavour. The Department of Education, Science and Training's (DEST's)
submission stated:
China's
emergence as a world player in science and technology over the last decade has
been spectacular. Much has been written about its drive towards technological
and economic supremacy.[1147]
17.3
According to DEST, China's
research and development intensity doubled between 1996 and 2002. In terms of
absolute expenditure, in 2002 it ranked third in the world, spending $US72 billion
on research and development, behind only the USA
($US277 billion) and Japan
($US107 billion).[1148] China's
investment in research and development as a proportion of GDP has also doubled from
0.6 per cent in 1994 to 1.2 per cent in 2002. In the same
period, US spending rose from 2.51 per cent to 2.67 per cent,
and Australia's
rose from 1.58 per cent to 1.62 per cent.[1149]
17.4
China
is investing heavily in technological infrastructure, reorienting itself to become
technologically competitive and increasing the technical and human resources
devoted to manufacturing products. China
is also dedicating significant resources to higher education, increasing
technology-intensive exports, and experiencing rapid growth in foreign
investment in research and development.[1150]
Sino-Australian linkages in science and technology
17.5
It is against the backdrop of rising Chinese investment
in science and technology that the committee has considered the nature and
extent of current Sino–Australian linkages. In its 1996 report, the committee recognised
that scientific and technological exchanges helped to build long term contacts
in China, dispelled
images of Australia
as a primary producing nation, and often led to commercial spin-offs.[1151]
17.6
Since 1996, it would seem that much has been done to strengthen
the scientific links between Australia
and China. The
committee considers that this is a valuable aspect of the bilateral
relationship that should be developed further.
The extent of current linkages
17.7
Current collaborative links between Australia and China
are based on the efforts of many different entities in the scientific
community, including the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST),
the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH), the Australian Academy of
Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering,
CSIRO, the Australian Research Council, and individual researchers and
institutions. The committee received submissions from many stakeholders in the
scientific community. The Chinese Embassy also commented on the extent of the
relationship in science and technology.
Department of Education, Science
and Training
17.8
DEST regards China
as a priority partner for bilateral collaboration, due to the level of
Australian research agency interest in China
and China's
growing influence in international science and technology.[1152] It is the key implementing agency
for a number of national agreements with China
including the Treaty on Cooperation in Science and Technology; an MOU on Cooperation
in Science and Technology; and an MOU on Establishment of a Special Fund for
Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
17.9
The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology is DEST's
key bilateral partner. DEST also liaises with the National Natural Science
Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy
of Science. Its activities mainly centre on raising Australia's
science and technology profile. It manages the Joint Science and Technology
Commission (JSTC), which provides a forum for high-level dialogue between key
policy makers, research agencies and funding agencies.[1153]
17.10
It funds the International Science Linkages (ISL) Program.
The ISL aims to increase the uptake of leading edge science and technology by
promoting access to and participation by Australian researchers in
strategically focussed international scientific research and technology. DEST
also provides competitive funding to the network of Cooperative Research
Centres (CRCs) throughout Australia
and liaises with a variety of Australian organisations that have an interest in
Chinese science and technology.[1154]
The National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) also has a good working
relationship with its counterpart organisation, the China Science and Technology
Museum in Beijing.
17.11
DEST supports two counsellors based in Beijing
and Shanghai. The Counsellors
maintain contact with Chinese authorities and provide advice to DEST on Chinese
science and technology issues. DEST informed the committee that the Chinese
Embassy in Canberra also has
dedicated science personnel, including a science and technology counsellor.
17.12
DEST participates in regular high-level bilateral
visits. Several significant visits occurred during 2003, including the visit to
China by the Minister
for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan
Nelson MP
and visits to Australia
by Dr Wu Zhongze,
Chinese Vice-Minister for Science and Technology and Professor
Lu Yongxiang,
President of the Chinese Academy
of Science.[1155]
Department of Environment and
Heritage
17.13
The Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) has a
significant amount of scientific interaction with China,
based predominantly around environmental protection initiatives. Under the Declaration
on Bilateral Cooperation on Climate Change—signed in September 2003—Australia
and China
cooperate in climate change science.[1156]
Australia also
works with China
under the China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. An MOU also exists between
the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Chinese Meteorological
Administration.[1157] DEH states that Australia
also enjoys a high level of engagement with China
on Antarctic affairs.[1158]
The Australian
Academy of Science and the Australian
Academy of Technological Sciences
and Engineering
17.14
In their joint submission, the Australian
Academy of Science and the Australian
Academy of Technological Sciences
and Engineering (the Academies) highlighted the 'increasingly strong links in science
and technology between Australia
and China'.[1159] They asserted that these links are
being fostered by recognition of their importance at levels that include governments,
research institutes and universities, and individual scientists.[1160] Professor
Andrew Smith,
from the Australian Academy
of Science, indicated that the Academies perform a role in promoting the
bilateral relationship, through interaction with equivalent academies in China,
involvement in high level mutual understandings, brokering MOUs, and running
exchange programs.[1161]
17.15
According to the Academies, recent examples of
successful and growing linkages between Australia
and China in science
and technology include:
-
DEST-funded programs to facilitate bilateral
links;
-
an inbound delegation from the Chinese Academy
of Science (CAS), that resulted in the establishment of a series of high-level
Australia-China planning symposia;
-
the election of a member of the Chinese Academy
of Sciences as a corresponding member of the Australian Academy of Science;
-
a growing number of individual agreements for
collaboration between Australian universities and institutes and their Chinese counterparts;
-
an increase in the number of post-doctoral and post-graduate
Chinese researchers working in Australia; and
-
the signing of an MOU between the Polar Research
Institute of China, the Australian Antarctic Division, and the University of
Newcastle to undertake research in atmospheric and space physics.[1162]
Commonwealth Science and Industrial
Research Organisation
17.16
The Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) outlined the extensive level of engagement that it has had
with China since
its first official interaction in 1979.
17.17
In 2003–04, CSIRO was involved in 52 projects funded by
the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR); 13 projects
funded by AusAID; and 63 other projects, all of which had links with China.
CSIRO's recent interactions with China
led to 41 joint publications in 2003 and 47 joint publications in 2004. CSIRO also
has 322 employees who speak either Mandarin or another Chinese dialect, 248 of
whom were born in China.[1163] Over $A24 million has been invested
in joint research projects between CSIRO and over 170 Chinese organisations
since the 1980s.[1164] CSIRO indicated
that collaboration with China
tends to be particularly efficient in fields such as agricultural research,
mineral exploration, and water and land conservation.
17.18
CSIRO stated that its strategy for the medium to longer
term is to expand the sphere of interaction in China.
It is currently building on the success of a high-level CSIRO delegation visit
to the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology
(MOST), and negotiating an MOU of collaboration with MOST. It signed an MOU
with the Ministry of Education in March 2005. These two MOUs will give CSIRO
more access to opportunities of collaboration with Chinese universities, key
research laboratories and national research agencies.[1165]
The Australian Research Council
17.19
The Australian Research Council (ARC) undertakes
activities in three broad areas:
-
supporting the best research which is most
likely to contribute to innovation;
-
brokering partnerships among researchers,
industry, government, community organisations and the international community;
and
-
providing policy advice to the Australian
government on investment in the national research effort.[1166]
17.20
In 2002 it supported 2,725 international collaborations
with researchers from 56 countries. Collaborations with researchers in China
ranked equal sixth, with a three per cent share of all collaborations.[1167] The ARC cited 197 projects it
currently supports that involve Chinese partners. The projects are extremely
broad-ranging and although the majority involve science and technology, a
significant number are in the social sciences.[1168]
The Embassy of the People's
Republic of China
17.21
In their submission, the Embassy of the People's
Republic of China
in Australia drew
attention to the considerable bilateral activity occurring in science and
technology.[1169] They acknowledged
the extent of technological development in both nations and claimed that there
is great potential for increased collaboration, owing largely to the
complementarity of the two nation's areas of scientific expertise.[1170] Since the two countries signed an
Intergovernmental Technology Cooperation Agreement in May 1980, exchanges
between technological personnel have increased and the scope for cooperation
has expanded.[1171] They drew
attention to five China–Australia Technological Cooperation Joint Committee
Conferences that have determined over 70 official projects in fields covering
agriculture, nuclear technology, metallurgy, geology, meteorology, space,
telecommunication, environment, material, biology, pharmaceutical and health,
traditional Chinese medicine and fundamental science.[1172]
17.22
The Embassy noted that China
and Australia
have agreed to conduct annual talks (in addition to the current tri-annual
bilateral conference) to explore additional areas for scientific cooperation. Recently
there has been significant cooperation between the two countries in the
development of a SARS vaccine, the establishment of a high-level biological
safety laboratory, and the Olympic Games. Negotiations are currently underway
for the establishment of a 'Technology
Park' in Australia,
'aimed at attracting Chinese enterprises' investment and facilitating the
industrialisation of the R&D outcomes'.[1173]
The flow-on benefits
17.23
A number of benefits flow from the scientific
community's activities. There are obvious economic benefits from collaboration,
but the work of the scientific community also plays a vital role in enriching
the political, cultural and social aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Economic and scientific benefits
17.24
Scientific linkages may lead to commercial benefit when
research projects move out of the laboratory and into the market place. China's
economic growth, the size of its market, and the vast and growing resources
poured into science and technology should make China
a priority nation for Australia.
17.25
CSIRO identified a number of economic and scientific benefits
for both nations arising from its 25–year long involvement in China.
It stated that, although many cannot be quantified, they are nonetheless
important, including:
-
the establishment of China’s eucalyptus research
centre—leading to the planting of Australian tree species like acacia and
eucalyptus in broad areas of southern and central China—facilitating the sale
of Australian tree seeds and associated services and equipments;
-
the establishment of the radio telescope in
Urumqi, by designing and manufacturing the receiver;
-
the export of dry land farming technologies,
services and equipments;
-
the export of membrane and water treatment
technologies, services and equipments;
-
better understanding of exotic diseases (such as
foot and mouth disease, avian virus, SARS etc);
-
a better understanding of the management of
water and soil resources; and
-
a better understanding of mineral ore formation
processes which may lead to the discovery of new ore bodies.[1174]
17.26
It should be noted that Australian mines are in the
process of introducing technology that will improve productivity, safety and
environmental outcomes from technology originally developed in China,
such as the Longwall mining technology, with the cooperation of Chinese
companies and research agencies. Similarly, Australian mining practice and
machinery is being exported to benefit Chinese industry with support from CSIRO
and other Australian groups.
17.27
Ms Mara Bun, on behalf of CSIRO, gave the example of research
in the area of stored grains as an economic benefit that can flow from
scientific collaboration. She also commented on the leadership role that some key Chinese thinkers within
CSIRO have played in forming a value-added path to China:
These are young
scientists who have been involved in developing the equivalent of the AQIS
system in China and have now come to Australia to help forge this partnership, again of
mutual benefit. I think what happens in a very beneficial way culturally is
that, through these exchanges, the grains industry in Australia is able to
partner and have an entree into China which is actually translated or put into
a context which is much more accepted, much more contemporary and much more
connected on the ground, through science. In my observation that is very
valuable to the farming community here, and certainly it does feature in terms
of economic benefit.[1175]
17.28
CSIRO also stated that China
has significant potential to become an important source of science talent,
thereby contributing to the development of Australian science. As China
invests more into education and develops its scientific infrastructure and
expertise, the 'growing pool of recognised talent can, over time, be recruited
to build on the excellent contribution by CSIRO’s many scientists of Chinese
origin'.[1176]
Political, cultural and social benefits
17.29
The committee recognises that scientific links are not
only valuable from a trading and commercial perspective, but can also strengthen
the bilateral relationship in other areas. One of the distinguishing features
of the global scientific community is its capacity to build self-sustaining
networks independent from the more traditional aspects of international
relationships. The scientific community often has dynamic links that can provide
the foundation for ever-growing cooperation between nations on any number of
levels. The methods by which the scientific community establishes and maintains
its international networks can provide useful lessons for building other
linkages.
17.30
Similarly, the contributions of Australian and Chinese
scientists to global science and the betterment of each other's societies can
be very important in promoting goodwill and increasing levels of mutual
understanding.
Strong foundations for building the
relationship
17.31
CSIRO informed the committee that it has had a rich and
mutually beneficial relationship with China
for over 25 years.[1177] The Academies
also emphasised the importance of the bilateral scientific relationship, both
in its own right and in 'underpinning economic, environmental and social
developments in both countries'.[1178]
Endorsing this view, Professor Andrew Smith
considered that scientific collaboration can be used as a base upon which
Australia and China can build broader networks and mutual respect, 'that is one
of the great values of what we are doing'.[1179]
17.32
The Academies made the point that, whereas science can
help to strengthen political ties, political difficulties tend not to have a
detrimental effect on science:
Tensions that may arise (as between China
and Taiwan and Japan)
have little direct impact on collaboration in S&T...There is no doubt that
scientists in Australia
and China will
continue along the present track of increasing collaboration. The person-to-person
interactions required in these collaborations form one basis for improved
relations between the countries.[1180]
17.33
Ms Bun
and Professor Smith
commented on the ability of science to provide a springboard for developing
better and deeper political relationships. Ms
Bun stated:
So areas like water and energy are critical priorities for
CSIRO. They absolutely align with the relevant research priorities at a
national level in Australia
and they have been confirmed at a political level in China
as the basis for heightened collaboration—I think that is only appropriate.[1181]
17.34
Ms Bun
indicated that networks established through CSIRO tend to be very 'bottom-up'—researcher-to-researcher
based relationships, that over time provide the basis upon which much bigger
projects and networks of association are formed. This report has recognised the
importance of people-to-people links in the creation of broader bilateral
relationships. The way the scientific community operates is a good example of
this.
The scientific community's role in
promoting goodwill and understanding
17.35
It is perhaps easy to assign a dollar value to the
products of scientific endeavour, and focus on the economic benefits that can flow
from collaboration. The contribution that science makes to the general betterment
of society should not, however, go unacknowledged. Where Chinese and Australian
scientists make positive contributions to one another's societies, this can
have an important positive impact on the ways our nations view one another and advance
the bilateral relationship.
17.36
CSIRO scientists are being recognised in China
for their contribution to the bilateral scientific relationship. This has the
potential to impact substantially on the political relationship.[1182] Ms
Bun stated:
In our submission, we tried to document eight or 10 examples of
Australian scholars who have made such a contribution in China
that they have received prizes—in one case, an honorary citizenship and in
another case invitations to organise major conferences and the like.[1183]
17.37
She also commented on the positive social impact that
has arisen in the mining industry through CSIRO's work to predict outbursts of
coal and gas in seams. This work has had a significant impact on safety
standards and a concomitant 'powerful social impact'.[1184] Dr
Ta-Yan Leong
also cited the cultural, social and trade advantages resulting from collaboration
with the Beijing Meteorological Bureau. He stated that this work:
...is to help them predict air quality over Beijing,
which they could then expand to other parts of China
to help them understand the sources of all the pollution and so on. This has a
big impact on the green Beijing Olympics in 2008. This is going to impact both
socially and culturally.[1185]
The potential for closer relations
17.38
The committee acknowledges the invaluable contribution
that the scientific organisations have made to the bilateral relationship. The benefits
already gained from current linkages demonstrate that it is in Australia's
long-term interest to support the work of these organisations and develop closer
science and technology links with China.
Moreover, based on evidence to this inquiry, the time would also appear to be
right to undertake a concerted effort to augment the bilateral relationship.
The right place at the right time?
17.39
The Academies assert that Australia
is 'in the right place at the right time' to develop even stronger links with China.[1186] It is well placed because of its eastern
hemisphere location, similar geographical zones, landscapes, and terrains; its
strong underlying economic resources; and the common environmental threats
faced by both nations. CSIRO's submission supported the notion that Australia
is in the 'right place'. It stated that China is an important partner because of
'the complementarity of northern and southern atmosphere locations; similarity
in terms of geographic and climatic conditions; favourable conditions for CSIRO
to test some of its technologies in China; and both countries have a diverse
range of biodiversity, making it advantageous to expand the germplasm and gene
pool'.[1187]
17.40
According to the Academies, this is the 'right time' to
expand the relationship because:
-
China has a self-perceived need for better
international recognition of its science and technology;
-
high-level government contacts and agreements
for collaboration between the two nations already exist;
-
there is an increasing availability of funds for
Chinese scientists to undertake international research and travel;
-
Chinese investment in cutting edge research
infrastructure is rapidly expanding;
-
a number of Chinese scientists working in
Australia have strong links to the 'mother country'; and
-
political developments favour Australia as a
partner country for scientific collaboration (including training) over the USA.[1188]
17.41
Professor Andrew
Smith, on behalf of the Australian
Academy of Science, commented on
the potential for developing a deeper relationship with China,
based on the complementarities between our research and development priorities:
We see China
as being a most important partner in science and technology. This comes from
the enormous amount of money that China
is putting into research and development. It is the third in the world at the
moment, after the USA
and Japan, and
I suspect that in a couple of years it will be ahead of Japan.
China is a
really big spender in targeted areas of research and development, most of
which, I think, are very similar to our own.[1189]
17.42
DEH also reiterated the complementarities between China
and Australia
as a basis for future collaboration, especially in the area of climate change:
The China–Australia collaboration on climate change is a very
active one. I think it is rooted in a recognition of considerable similarity of
circumstances and complementary economic interests. For example, in the area of
land management, where it is well known that China
is particularly challenged by degradation of the landscape, there is an
opportunity for win-win outcomes in China
in terms of restoring tree cover, sustainable agricultural management and the
like. Australia,
with its similarly large land area, diverse climate circumstances and so on has
a good deal to contribute. I might say that there is a deal of two-way flow.[1190]
17.43
DEST also acknowledged that a number of factors are
strongly conducive towards the establishment of closer links, including the
complementarity of the two government's political and development agendas. For
example 'in the fields of energy, water environment, agriculture and
biotechnology as well as basic research and public health'.[1191]
17.44
The evidence to this inquiry indicates that not only
are the temporal, geographical and physical conditions conducive, but there is
also real willingness within the Australian scientific community to expand its
links with China.
Professor Smith
told the committee:
The eyes of Australian science are very much on China
and many more people wish to go.[1192]
The way forward
17.45
In turning to the future, the Academies believe 'very
strongly that maintaining (and as far as possible increasing) funding dedicated
to strengthening links in S&T is an excellent investment to help ensure
strong and mutually beneficial relationships with China, and that practical
commercial outcomes will eventuate in many areas'.[1193]
17.46
The committee agrees with this statement. It recognises
the complementarities between Australia
and China, and
acknowledges current trends that augur well for strengthened bilateral ties. It
now turns to consider what actions could be taken to build on the significant
progress already made in science and technology.
17.47
The committee is aware that DEST has two 'education and
science counsellors' based in Shanghai
and Beijing. These counsellors are
tasked with the promotion of Australian education and science. The majority of
their work, however, would appear to be oriented towards promoting education,
rather than science.[1194] Ms
Fiona Buffinton
stated:
At the moment the local staff in Beijing
have been largely hired on the basis of their ability to engage in the
education side of things. In the past, in terms of science, the small
engagement has been handled well in Beijing, but there is further potential
with China becoming a much stronger player in science...As China emerges,
surpasses and produces a very large proportion of [world science], we in turn
will want to engage and know what the latest developments are. It is something
that we are having an active dialogue about with both the science group and our
science counsellor.[1195]
17.48
The committee understands that at the moment, the department
is considering whether there is a need to employ a science-literate, locally
engaged staff member in the Beijing
office. The committee asked representatives of the ARC, AAS, ATSE and CSIRO
whether they supported this initiative. They strongly welcomed the idea,
considering it to 'be of great benefit'.[1196]
17.49
Representatives indicated that the capacity for a science
counsellor to 'look westward' would also be beneficial, given the shape of the
Australian economy and agriculture. They also stated that, as China
looks towards commercialising the products of its research, it is in Australia's
interests to 'get in early':
The transition that China
is going through will inevitably mean that over time the needs for
commercialising science and partnerships which are about fundamental research
will find a path to impact in the marketplace, and therefore there will be
greater activity around the collaborators that help to deliver that path.
Whether that is through DEST, the industry departments or other mechanisms,
those are important links for Australia
to forge.[1197]
17.50
The committee considers that establishing at least one
highly skilled science-literate counsellor, based perhaps in Australia's
embassy in Beijing, should be a
priority. It is not sufficient to have two DEST officers tasked and skilled primarily
under the education portfolio, who may or may not have sufficient time
available to devote to promoting Australian science. This is no criticism of
the Education Counsellors—the committee has stated elsewhere that they perform
a very important role—but rather, a recognition that the growing significance
of Chinese science to Australian interests should be reflected by the creation
of a dedicated in-country resource.
17.51
The science counsellor position would be geared towards
building bilateral links between government organisations, and acting as a
conduit for research agencies wishing to establish or strengthen their presence
in China. The science
counsellor would have extensive knowledge of the Australian scientific context
and be supported in his or her role by a science-literate locally engaged staff
member with a high degree of familiarity with the Chinese scientific context.
The science unit would be in a position to monitor and report on significant
developments in Chinese science, indicate where there is potential for
Australian involvement, and actively promote Australian innovation and
scientific achievement. It would encourage Chinese researchers to view Australia
as a destination of choice for international scientific collaboration and
promote the trade-related aspects of innovation.
Recommendation 25
17.52
The committee recommends that the Australian government
consider the appointment of a dedicated science counsellor based in China
to promote Australian science and technology.
17.53
DEST informed the committee that a number of proposals
agreed to at the last JSTC meeting are currently being discussed with China,
including the establishment of a science leaders exchange scheme between future
leaders in key science and technology (S&T) organisations in both
countries. Its purpose would be to improve mutual understanding of each other’s
systems and establish important links between institutions. DEST and the
Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology are also considering jointly hosting
a website to give prominence to existing collaborations and provide information
on sources of funding for prospective collaborators. A series of annual
symposia between the Chinese Academy
of Sciences (CAS) and its Australian counterparts, the Australian
Academy of Science (AAS) and the Australian
Academy of Technological Sciences and
Engineering (ATSE) are also under consideration.
17.54
The committee fully supports these initiatives, and
considers that the establishment of a science counsellor position in Beijing
could facilitate the operation of these activities and assist the Australian
government to identify further opportunities.
17.55
On a broader level, representatives indicated that Australia
lacks a forum in which the various agencies across government with an interest
in pursuing international links can communicate and coordinate their
activities.[1198] The committee
considers there is a need for government and non-government stakeholders to
meet and discuss opportunities in China
and to coordinate their activities. The committee notes that the scientific
community has a particular strength in building networks and working
cooperatively. These strengths should be utilised. Creating a forum, perhaps
hosted by DEST, to discuss China
issues would be beneficial. Creating a dedicated scientific presence in China
could provide a focal point through which the government could direct its
activities.
17.56
The committee urges the government to expand Australia's
capacity to form and foster scientific links. The sheer size of the Chinese
market, the scale of its development, and the rising levels of investment in
research and development present Australia with many opportunities. Science can
act as a bridge to closer economic, political and cultural ties. It has significant
potential to contribute to the advancement of both nations. Through science, China
and Australia
can jointly confront the challenges facing both our nations and explore new
horizons, to both nations' benefit. In so doing, we can also come to understand
more about one another.
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