Workers at a steel factory in Dalian, Liaoning province. [Photo/China Daily]

But to correct its economic and industrial structural imbalances, the region has to implement sweeping reforms and build an economic development model that is driven by technological innovations.

An innovation-driven economy is essentially a talent-driven economy. But the lack of enthusiasm among researchers in Northeast China due to systemic or institutional constraints, such as the lack of a scientific research appraisal system, problematic management of research funds and relatively low salaries of researchers, is preventing its innovation potential from being realized.

For long, the educators in Northeast China have put emphasis on the "quantity" rather than the quality of research works and the authorities have not made enough efforts to convert the academic seeds into economic fruits. Researchers, especially young ones and those associated with "less prestigious" institutions of higher learning, have been struggling to cope with the shortage of research funds, which, along with the rigid research expense reimbursement procedure, has dampened their zeal to apply for research work.

To change this faulty academic evaluation system and boost the morale of researchers and potential researchers and, encourage innovations, Northeast China should first improve its academic assessment system, so that research works can be scientifically evaluated. The region should also try to reform its existing research fund management system and streamline its research expense reimbursement procedure to inject new vitality into the academic domain.

Moreover, the authorities in Northeast China should also take immediate measures to accord due importance to researchers, and raise their salaries and allowances so that they can lead a decent and dignified life, which would make them more dedicated to their work.

-GMW.CN