According to the Science and Technology Department of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, the region's science and technology sector has seen rapid growth and achieved significant breakthroughs during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), surpassing all goals and targets. The sector has notably strengthened its support for key areas such as industrial development, ecological conservation, and improving livelihoods, providing a solid foundation for the region's lasting stability and high-quality development.

Since 2021, Xizang has deepened its reform of the science and technology system. Fiscal investment in the sector doubled for two consecutive years, in 2024 and 2025. The innovation system has become more robust, with improvements in the ecosystem, technology management mechanisms, research funding administration, and the commercialization of research. These reforms have fostered a more favorable environment for innovation, accelerating the formation of a market-oriented, enterprise-led innovation framework featuring deep integration of industry, academia, and research. Additionally, science and technology assistance to Xizang has been expanded, and efficient coordination of innovation resources both within and outside the region has been strengthened, providing solid support for scientific and technological innovation.

In key areas, breakthroughs have been made incritical technologies, highlighting the leading and supporting role of science and technology. Technological advancements in characteristic agricultural and livestock industries—such as highland barley and yak—have been continuously upgraded, boosting the incomes of farmers and herders and improving industrial quality and efficiency. The accelerated adoption of clean energy technologies has promoted green and low-carbon development. Tibetan medicine has seen continued progress in inheritance and innovation, with advances in standardization, product development, and clinical applications. Scientific support for ecological conservation has strengthened. Initiatives like the second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau have provided vital scientific backing for protecting the world's last pure land.

Progress in translating scientific and technological achievements into practical applications has accelerated in fields related to people's livelihoods, allowing more of the benefits of innovation to reach communities across the region. Technologies related to high-altitude health services, epidemic prevention, and the development of livable environments has been widely applied, enhancing people's sense of gain and well-being. Meanwhile, according to the Science and Technology Department and the Association for Science and Technology in the region, Xizang has also strengthened its science outreach efforts through initiatives like the "Technology to Rural Areas" program, Science and Technology Week, and science outreach support for Xizang. A total of 324 science museums have been built in primary and secondary schools, along with 39 national and regionalscience education bases. More than 4,500 outreach activities have engaged over 1.2 million people, increasing public scientific literacy.

Innovation platforms have been steadily improved, the pool of science and technology talent has continued to grow, and the foundation for innovation has grown stronger. Key laboratories, technology innovation centers, and science parks have improvedin quality and efficiency. The innovation chain has been further strengthened, and the channels for commercializing research findings have become more efficient. The "Everest Talent Plan" has expanded a dedicated team of science professionals rooted in the region, driving continued progress in Xizang's science and technology sector.

Reporter: Tenzin Namse, Gawa Pema

Translator: Yang Xiaofeng, Luo Rongting

Review: Hu Rongguo, Drakpa Wangchen