The Finance and Economic Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress held a meeting to assess the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) on March 8, with a key emphasis on advancing technological innovation and initiatives related to intellectual property (IP). A key objective outlined is to increase the generation of high-value invention patents.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, China targeted a substantial increase in research and development investment, aiming to allocate 2.8 percent of GDP, alongside achieving critical breakthroughs in core technologies. By 2030, projections indicate an increase in the number of high-value invention patents per 10,000 people to over 22, up from 16 in 2025.
The plan highlights the necessity of enhancing the efficacy of the national innovation system, promoting the integration of technological and industrial innovations, and advancing breakthrough technologies across key sectors. With an anticipated average annual growth rate exceeding 7 percent in R&D expenditure, China aims to strengthen its research and innovation capabilities.
Furthermore, the plan calls for strengthening IP protection in emerging fields, improving public service infrastructure for IP management, and streamlining patent and trademarks review processes. It also aims to establish a more comprehensive IP protection mechanism that aligns with international standards, promoting better integration of legal services and enhancing global IP protection efforts.
The 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes a balance between fostering innovation-driven growth and strengthening IP protection, promoting China's role as a global leader in innovation.
