[Introduction] The characteristics of the precision instrument industry are that the scale and market may not be large, but the absorption and application of new technological achievements are the fastest. In this regard, Cui Xiangqun said that some important scientific experiments and testing precision instruments cannot rely entirely on market regulation, but need to be supported by national policies and funds, and adhere to independent innovation and development.

"In recent years, some instruments that have been well developed have been impacted by the import of foreign instruments and have already or are facing extinction." On March 7, Cui Xiangqun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, expressed her concerns to China Science Daily.

She said that looking around, all laboratories are equipped with basically imported instruments. This is not conducive to the development of domestic instruments and the improvement of basic scientific research capabilities, and also forms dependence on foreign countries in terms of scientific instruments, which poses a hidden danger to the country's technological security.

Wang Daheng, an academician of the two academies, has a classic metaphor: "Chinese science and technology must soar like a dragon. The head of this dragon is information technology, and instruments and meters are the eyes of the dragon, adding the finishing touch."

Cui Xiangqun believes that although it is not necessary to develop every product and technology by ourselves, we still need to master the research and development capabilities of important instruments and equipment as well as key technologies.

The characteristics of the precision instrument industry are that the scale and market may not be large, but it absorbs and applies new technological achievements the fastest. In this regard, Cui Xiangqun said that some important scientific experiments and testing precision instruments cannot rely entirely on market regulation, but need to be supported by national policies and funds, and adhere to independent innovation and development.

She suggested that when applying for the purchase of imported instruments for scientific research projects funded by national financial funds, it should be examined whether there are similar instruments in China that can meet the research needs. Under the premise of not affecting the progress of scientific research projects, it is required to give priority to purchasing domestically developed instruments for scientific research work, so as to provide survival space and innovative development opportunities for domestically developed instruments.

"Instruments independently innovated and developed can only be continuously improved and reach and exceed the international advanced level if they are constantly applied and improved in practice," said Cui Xiangqun.

Source: China Science Daily Editor: Ye Jian