经费使用自主权 (jīngfèi shǐyòng zìzhǔquán): Greater autonomy to use research funds

The State Council, China's Cabinet, has decided to give more autonomy to scientific researchers in deciding how to use their research funds.

Premier Li Keqiang pointed out at an executive meeting on July 4 that the government should fully trust and respect scientific researchers and give them greater autonomy so they can utilize their scientific research funds as they think best.

"We must remove the various constraints on the researchers as soon as possible, so that they can fully devote themselves to their research," Li said.

The meeting also required reforming the scientific research management method and reducing the number of inspections, reviews and audits. Scientific researchers will be allowed to purchase professional services such as accounting services.

The move aims to arouse the enthusiasm of scientific researchers by giving them greater discretionary power over how they use their research funds. It is of great significance in streamlining administration and delegating power to the lower levels, as well as building a service-oriented government and giving new impetus to innovation as a driving force of economic development.