ABSTRACT
During the 1980s China s science and technology underwent substantial changes. These changes have seen a transition towards a rationalisation of the country’s scientific and technical resources, but have also encountered many difficulties and pose a serious dilemma. This paper sets out to review these changes in the context of the Reform and Open-door Policy. These are illustrated from aspects concerning policy orientations in which national strategic programmes are devised, the dynamics of the research and production sectors, and the acquisition of foreign technology. The author is inclined to the view that the potential of technological capabilities and economic development is promising. But progress depends on further steps to challenge the con ventional social and economic system.
