973 Program ( Chinese: 973计划) or also known as National Basic Research Program is a basic research program initiated by the People's Republic of China to achieve technology and strategic edge in various scientific fields and especially the development of the rare earth minerals industry. [1] [2] The program was absorbed alongside the 863 Program into the "National Key R&D Program" in 2016. [3]
The program was initiated in 1997 by the Chinese government to develop basic research, innovations and technologies aligned with national priorities in economic development and social development. [1] The program was managed by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology. [4] Natural Science Foundation of China is also involved in coordinating the research with the program. [5]
Over the years the program has dedicated funding to areas such as agriculture, health, information, energy, environment, resources, population and materials. [1] [5]
The central government has in the past funded projects for a term of no more than five years. [6] Recently, the funding model has changed to 2 + 3 years. Two years after the project has been implemented, it will be assessed by a special panel and allocate funding accordingly. [6]
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (
link)