Abstract:
In the context of rapid technological and industrial transformation, innovation has become central to international strategic competition. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to assess and compare the strategic technological capabilities of six major economies: the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. It examines the organizational models and research paradigms of key research institutions in each country, providing valuable insights for the development of China's science and technology system. The analysis reveals distinct national priorities in technological strategy: the United States emphasizes basic research; Germany prioritizes social innovation; France emphasizes translating research into marketable outcomes; the United Kingdom advances industry-academia collaboration; Japan advances innovation through a collaborative "industry-academia-government" framework; and the Republic of Korea drives innovation through strong governmental leadership. Institutional structures also differ: the U.S. Ames Laboratory features a flat management style; Germany's Max Planck Society operates under a "free and independent" model; the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is characterized by centralization; the UK's National Physical Laboratory applies project-based management; Japan's RIKEN emphasizes collaboration with industries; and South Korea's KAIST adopts a tenure-track system. Drawing on these comparative insights, the paper proposes three strategic recommendations for enhancing China's scientific and technological innovation: (1) strengthen national strategic technological capabilities to drive major scientific breakthroughs; (2) reform talent evaluation mechanisms to attract and retain high-level talent; and (3) expand high-level international cooperation to elevate China's influence in the global science and technology landscape.