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India Gazette
11 hours ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Latest global rankings show shift in global research landscape
Beyond the Nature Index, numerous global rankings have also highlighted Asia's growing influence, particularly China's significant contributions to worldwide scientific research. LONDON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China's contribution to world-class science is advancing at a remarkable pace, further extending its lead in research output, according to calendar-year data for 2024 released in the latest Nature Index Research Leaders report. Beyond the Nature Index, numerous global rankings have also highlighted Asia's growing influence, particularly China's significant contributions to worldwide scientific research. Asian countries as a whole have gained greater prominence, while Western institutions have seen a decline in the number of top positions held within the rankings. An increasing number of experts believe these data indicate a fundamental transformation in the global research landscape, with scientific and research leadership shifting from the West to the East. CHINA MAINTAINS TOP SPOT In 2023, China surpassed the United States to claim the top position for the first time in the Nature Index Research Leaders list, which ranks countries, territories, and institutions based on their contributions to papers published in 145 leading health and natural sciences journals. Over the past year, China's leadership has expanded rapidly. According to the latest data, China's lead over the United States in the Nature Index database has grown more than fourfold in just one year. The country's Share -- the Nature Index's key metric of author contributions to high-quality research -- reached 32,122, a 17.4 percent increase from 2023. The region now has eight institutions in the top 10, compared to seven last year. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) retained its top position. The University of Science and Technology of China ranked third, while Zhejiang University (Share 819.57) rose from tenth to fourth place. Magdalena Skipper, editor-in-chief at Nature, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview earlier this year that China's increasingly mature and impactful contributions to global research have been recognized not only in the Nature Index, but also in other major rankings and evaluation systems for scientific output. According to the Global Innovation Index 2024 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), China continues to lead the world for the second consecutive year with 26 of the top 100 science and technology innovation clusters, further establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing economies in innovation over the past decade. "It is, of course, a testament to China's systematic investment in research and education, as well as its recognition of the importance of international collaboration," said Skipper. ASIA ENJOYS GREATER DOMINANCE Countries across Asia have shown strong growth in research output. In addition to China, South Korea and India were the other two countries in the top 10 to increase their adjusted Share from 2023 -- by 4.1 percent and 2 percent, respectively. South Korea, for instance, moved up from eighth to seventh in the Research Leaders 2025 ranking and increased its adjusted Share in biological sciences by more than 11 percent. The country also advanced from sixth to fourth place in the physical sciences. Singapore also distinguished itself with recent performance, rising to 16th place from 18th and posting a 7 percent increase -- the second-largest among the top 20 countries after China. Its adjusted Share in earth and environmental sciences papers grew by more than 19 percent from 2023 to 2024, while its adjusted Share in health sciences rose by over 23 percent. Japan, however, was an exception, recording a 9 percent decrease. The success of other Asian countries may also reflect a focus on green technology and materials, which are accounting for an increasing share of research articles in the database. According to the World Economic Forum, Asia is also emerging as a global hub for technology and innovation. By 2030, Asia's fintech revenues are expected to surpass those of North America. In the latest Global Innovation Index (GII) rankings, the five leading science and technology clusters globally are all located in East Asia, with China accounting for three of them. Data from the Nature Index also suggests that China-based researchers are increasing their collaboration with scientists in other Asian countries. This growing cooperation is helping to strengthen the research capabilities of other Asian nations, as reflected in the latest calendar-year data from the Nature Index. THE WEST'S DECLINE IN SHARE Joanne Carney, chief government relations officer at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), warns that the United States has "clearly crossed a threshold into actively abdicating our position as a global leader in research and development and innovation." Previously dominant Western countries have experienced a decline in their adjusted Share for the second consecutive year. Canada, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States each recorded decreases of at least 7 percent, while Australia and Germany saw smaller declines of less than 3 percent. The United States' adjusted Share dropped sharply by 10.1 percent. Western research institutions also continue to fall in the annual Nature Index Research Leaders rankings. Major contributors to high-quality science, such as Germany's Max Planck Society and France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), have both dropped several places. The Max Planck Society fell from fourth to ninth place, while CNRS exited the top 10 for the first time, now ranking 13th. U.S. institutions have also seen significant declines. Stanford University dropped from sixth place overall in 2022 to 15th in 2023 and 16th in 2024. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranked 17th in 2024, down from 14th the previous year. Harvard University, despite maintaining second place, recorded a 17.5 percent decrease in adjusted Share in 2024. "The data reflect a profound shift in the global research landscape," Simon Baker, chief editor of Nature Index, said: "China's continued investment in science and technology is translating into rapid sustained growth in high-quality research output, which in areas such as physical sciences and chemistry is now far outstripping previously dominant Western nations, including the United States."
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Indian startups, emerging entities attract over $150 billion funding in a decade: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi: There has been a surge in private investments in the last 11 years, with Indian startups and emerging entities attracting significant private funding to the tune of over $150 billion in the past decade, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. More than Rs 22,900 crore have been invested in over 1,270 startups via the government's Fund of Funds for Startups scheme. "India is embracing technology like no other! This digital transformation is the outcome of the forward-looking vision and timely policy interventions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Every section of society and every aspect of life has been positively impacted by 11 years of Digital India," Goyal said in a post on social media platform X. IP filings by the domestic startups surged from 2017 to 2024, with over 355 per cent growth in patents and more than 543 per cent growth in trademarks. India now ranks 39th globally on the 'Global Innovation Index 2024'. Goyal said he is proud to witness the profound impact of PM Narendra Modi's revolutionary initiative 'Startup India' on boosting innovation and enterprise in the country. "The remarkable talent of our youth and women is powering this revolution and driving India's economic growth with unparalleled vigour," he mentioned. India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with more than 1.5 lakh startups and over 100 unicorns. "11 years of Digital India has empowered every citizen with seamless services, financial access, and last-mile connectivity," said Minister of State for Commerce and Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada. The digital revolution, which began 11 years ago, is entrenched in almost every policy-making and public welfare scheme delivery with elaborate plans on how to bring benefits to the poor, downtrodden and marginalised sections. Prime Minister Modi took to X on Thursday and wrote about "leveraging the power of technology in bringing innumerable benefits for people". "Service delivery and transparency have been greatly boosted. Technology has become a means of empowering the lives of the poorest of the poor," he further said.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Making strides in innovation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is stepping up efforts to position itself as a key player in the global innovation landscape, says Chang Lih Kang. The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said Malaysia climbed from 36th place to 33rd in the Global Innovation Index 2024, a sign that the country's innovation agenda is gaining international recognition. 'This is no small feat. It shows the world that Malaysia is serious about building an innovation-driven economy,' he said. Chang said the improvement was the result of focused government policies and strong investment in research and development, as well as growing collaboration between the public and private sectors. 'But we cannot stop here. To keep moving forward, we need strong partners. China, with its strengths in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), green technology and more, is undoubtedly one of them,' he said during a speech at the Asean-China Economic Forum and the Third China International Supply Chain Expo Roadshow here yesterday. He said Malaysia's central position in Asean, combined with its skilled, multilingual workforce and business-friendly policies, makes it a natural partner for global companies looking to expand in the region. 'China brings scale and advanced technology. Malaysia brings agility and connectivity. Together, we can build not just strong supply chains, but smart and sustainable ones,' he said. Chang added the ministry is ensuring that science and technology become the backbone of Malaysia's future economy. This plan includes major investments in areas such as hydrogen, robotics, AI and semiconductors. He pointed to national efforts like the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap and the soon-to-be-launched National Semiconductor Strategy, both of which create space for deeper engagement with China and Asean. 'These efforts align with the Malaysia Madani vision – to build a sustainable, innovative and resilient nation,' Chang said. Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC) chairman Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan said the recent upgrade of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA 3.0), which includes new chapters on digital and green economies, supply chain connectivity and small and medium enterprises (SME) cooperation, has further strengthened regional ties. Asean and China, he said, are now each other's largest trading partners, with strong growth in trade and investment. China has been Asean's top trading partner for 16 years straight since 2009, and Asean has also become China's largest trading partner for the last five years since 2020, he added. 'Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are emerging as competitive production hubs, navigating geopolitical shifts while deepening economic ties with China,' he added. The MCBC and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) jointly hosted the forum and roadshow. It aims to strengthen Asean-China economic ties, promote resilient and sustainable supply chains, and showcase collaboration opportunities in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green agriculture, the digital economy, smart infrastructure and healthcare. The event is aligned with the forthcoming Third China International Supply Chain Expo, scheduled to take place in China from 16 to 20 July. Low said the forum and roadshow offer not just opportunities for large firms but also open doors for SMEs to integrate into China's vast supply chain network. 'This platform promotes greater inclusivity, resilience and sustainable growth,' he said. He also noted that as Asean Chair this year, Malaysia is well-placed to drive regional supply chain integration in sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital technology. 'Our strategic location and capabilities make Malaysia an ideal hub. With the National Energy Transition Roadmap offering RM637bil in opportunities by 2050 and China's strengths in solar and hydropower, we see strong potential for collaboration,' Low said. Also present were the Prime Minister's political secretary Chan Ming Kai, MCBC director and chief executive officer Datuk Tan Tian Meng, CCPIT president Ren Hongbin and China International Exhibition Center Group chairman Lin Shunjie.
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘Asean's gateway' Singapore offers foreign tech start-ups unparalleled growth potential
Singapore, with its dynamic digital economy and supportive business environment, has become a magnet for foreign technology start-ups and also serves as a strategic gateway to the fast-expanding markets of Southeast Asia. The transformation of the city state and other countries among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc – which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – was highlighted in the Global Innovation Index 2024, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The latest edition of the index, which ranks the creativity of 133 of the world's economies and the top 100 science and technology clusters, reveals the rapid progress of various Asean member nations over the past decade in advancing their innovation ecosystems. It also makes special mention of Asean's close regional integration and, importantly, vital cooperation in the areas of science, technology, intellectual property, and facilitating the free flow of information and investment capital. Moreover, key metrics show that Asean's combined investment in research and development (R&D) reached US$54.9 billion in 2023, which is more than five times the US$10.6 billion recorded for 2002. This has helped to make the bloc a global leader in hi-tech exports – an area of trade which in Asean rose in value from US$303 billion in 2013 to US$598 billion in 2022. Many overseas tech companies realise that the bloc's many burgeoning strengths make it an ideal location for regional manufacturing centres, new markets, research partners, or simply a good base to establish a start-up.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
China's economic resilience: new policies to buoy growth after achieving 2024 target
BEIJING, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from Beijing Review: Having reached its 2024 target, China is poised to continue promoting economic growth by exploring new drivers, analysts said. China's economy reached its annual growth target for 2024, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding 5 percent year on year to reach 134.9084 trillion yuan ($18.5 trillion), according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) at a press conference on January 17. In the third quarter of 2024, the Central Government introduced a series of incremental policies to encourage consumption and the creation of a more favorable business environment to boost the economy, which played a key role in achieving the full-year target, Kang Yi, Commissioner of the NBS, told the press conference. "The supporting policies stabilized the stock and housing markets and boosted domestic demand. China's economy made a robust rebound in 2024," Xu Hongcai, Deputy Director of the Economic Policy Commission at the China Association of Policy Science, told Beijing Review. Xu noted that the quick ascent was aided by better-than-expected export performance and growing investment in hi-tech industries. According to the statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China, China's import and export value reached 43.85 trillion yuan ($6 trillion) in 2024, a 5-percent year-on-year increase and a new historical high. Exports totaled 25.45 trillion yuan ($3.5 trillion), up 7.1 percent year on year. In 2024, multiple sectors were promoting the integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation. Kang added that the Global Innovation Index 2024, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, had ranked China 11th among the world's most innovative economies, up one spot from the previous year. The development of the country's new-energy industries also achieved outstanding results in 2024. The greening of the energy industry is accelerating, and the proportion of clean energy generation is increasing. In 2024, hydropower, nuclear power, wind power and solar power accounted for 32.6 percent of power generation. As of late December, the number of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in use in China had reached 31.4 million, a 260-fold increase over the past decade, the Ministry of Public Security said on January 17, attributing the growth to improved charging infrastructure and more eco-friendly consumption options. NEVs refer to vehicles completely or mainly driven by new-energy sources, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles. Consumption continued to be a key driver. In late August last year, the government introduced a trade-in policy to encourage people to replace outdated household appliances and vehicles with newer, smarter and greener ones. This policy has had a strong, positive effect on the sales of new vehicles and home appliances. In 2024, China's total auto sales reached 31.44 million, setting a new record, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The trade-in policy gave a firm boost to auto sales. Looking ahead, the government plans a stronger macroeconomic policy push for 2025, and has pledged to adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy this year. Contributing around 30 percent of global economic growth annually in recent years, China has been a major engine driving the world economy. The Chinese market continues to provide new opportunities for the world and the country has maintained its position as the world's second largest importer for several years, with total import value reaching 18.39 trillion yuan ($2.5 trillion) in 2024. However, it remains a developing country, with a big gap in per-capita GDP compared to developed nations, Kang said. He cautioned that challenges, including weak consumer spending, difficulties facing businesses and employment pressure, remained. Geopolitical conflicts and rising protectionism have also added to the existing uncertainty. In 2024, the national Producer Price Index (PPI) declined 2.2 percent year on year, less than the 3-percent drop in 2023. Xu said that the negative growth of PPI, a gauge of industrial product demand, was caused by weak demand in global and domestic markets, making it a key problem to address this year. In 2024, fixed assets investment expanded 3.2 percent on a yearly basis. "But private investment saw negative year-on-year growth of 0.1 percent, suggesting that private enterprises lacked confidence," Xu said. At a symposium on private enterprises attended by prominent entrepreneurs including Huawei's Ren Zhengfei and BYD's Wang Chuanfu in Beijing on February 17, President Xi Jinping called for firming up confidence to promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private sector. According to Xu, the authorities should channel more funds into hi-tech and green sectors, and improve the expectations of private and foreign-funded enterprises to expand investment. Xu suggested further improving people's incomes by boosting employment and the social security system cushioning the life of low-income groups. "The government should also shore up rural consumption through enhancing logistics in remote areas and develop new growth drivers from emerging sectors such as the silver economy, which focuses on China's elderly population," he said. 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