Putting the big dogs in charge

Beijing wants government agencies to row in the same direction when it comes to sci-tech policy.

ICYMI: At the 2023 Two Sessions, Beijing established the Central Commission for Science and Technology (CCST) – whose main job is coordinating sci-tech policy across the government. 

• But it’s still a bit of a mystery how it's all supposed to work. 

Well, we just got another clue: On Friday, state media revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has set up a sci-tech committee within the ministry.

The committee's job: Implement the CCST's policy directives.

And get this: MNR Minister Wang Guanghua is chairing the committee himself. 

Get smart: Beijing is elevating the importance of the sci-tech agenda – and putting its top dogs in charge of getting it done.

What we're wondering: Why haven't we yet heard anything about other key ministries – like the industry regulator (MIIT) – establishing similar committees?

• If they already have, the lack of information about them would highlight the increasing opacity of China’s sci-tech policymaking process. That would be bad news for foreign tech companies.