Policy Perspective on Science Popularization in China

Abstract

Science popularization is important in China. It is the Chinese term for the concepts of public understanding of science or public communication of science and technology now prevailing around the world. Science popularization in China has developed in an idiosyncratic way, as part of an organized and mobilized effort. This paper explores science popularization from a policy perspective. From about 1,000 policy documents on science popularization, the authors selected 100 of the most relevant. In this paper, the 100 policies are classified into four groups according to their operational effects. Three of the most important ones, which have in the past 15 years played decisive roles gaining funding and stimulating the advancement of the enterprise, are highlighted. The driving forces behind science popularization in China are many, but underlying ideology and imported advocacies have been especially significant. Because science popularization, by whatever name, has begun to appear on the agendas of the governments of many countries, policies reflecting government decisions in this area are becoming ever more influential, and need to be fully understood.