Science and Technology in Contemporary China

The Science and Technology policy changes in post-Mao China cannot be complete without a historical narrative and analysis of Science and Technology in its pre-policy (prior to 1850) and policy (since 1850 when the Qing rulers began to promote Science and Technology ) periods. This book is an imperative to revisit and interrogate the nature and scope of Chinese Science and Technology policy and progress. The text is divided into three parts. The first part considers both the macro and micro issues pertaining to Science and Technology policy in general and also of the policiy in particular. The second part highlights the historical narrative of Chinese Science and Technology policy as it has a key role in the evolution of contemporary Science and Technology architecture. The third part discusses three focal components of the Chinese Science and Technology system each representing state, society and international systems - the organizational structure representing the state; the research system representing society; and technology acquisition representing the international system with serious implications for China.

Varaprasad S. Dolla is Associate Professor in Chinese studies at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. His research interests include science and technology, innovation, unification and domestic politics in China. Currently he teaches graduate courses on Chinese history and science and technology. He was an ASIA (Asian Studies in Asia) Fellow at Peking University, Beijing, in 2004. A recipient of Nehru Memorial and University Grant Commission Scholarships, he has presented papers at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Southern California, and the Global Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (GLOBELICS) in Beijing. He has published research articles in national and international journals including the Journal of International Affairs, the Journal of Science and Technology Policy of China, International Studies and China Report. He is one of the contributors in the Foundation Imprint title: The Rise of China: Implications for India.