CAS has made great contributions to the country in this field. For example, it developed the first electronic computer, the first vector computer and the first parallel computer system, as well as the first laser devices and first space remote-sensing equipment in the country. CAS researchers have provided various semiconductor materials, crystal materials, high-performance alloys, special ceramic materials, new polymer materials and many new functional and structural materials for frontier science and technology applications. They invented a new technology for the converter steel making process, new synthetic rubber, new technology for the extraction of rare earth elements, a new process for gas conversion, industrial robots and numeric control systems, which have made significant contributions to industry. Recently, CAS has undertaken many important national projects. In the areas of high-tech research and development, for instance, the major current projects cover fuel cell batteries and an electric automobile system, coal conversion to fuel oil through synthetic gas, general purpose CPU and SOC, core software for Internet applications, image, voice and language recognition, information security technology, micro-system technology, nano-materials and application, integrated coal system for electricity generation with a chemical process and infrared remote sensing equipment for meteorological satellites.

　　As a national research center, the tasks of CAS in high-technology R&D are to engage in basic, strategic and forward-looking research concerning China's economic construction, national security and sustainable social development; undertake key national research projects and provide solutions to important pressing problems; and continually promote high-technology development by upgrading China's own capability for high-tech innovation.

　　 In recent years, CAS has further made it clear that research should focus on the frontiers of science and technology while meeting the strategic needs of the country. Original scientific invention and pivotal technology innovation should be further stressed. On the one hand, CAS is strengthening its fundamental research in frontier areas of high-technology, in order to further develop the capacity of innovation of its institutes. On the other hand, it is paying great attention to transforming its researchfindings into practical applications. CAS is making great efforts to promote the cooperation between its institutes and industry, and to establish engineering R&D centers which focus on technology transfer and application. Furthermore, CAS encourages its researchers and institutes to set up spin-off high-tech firms for the direct commercial application of high technology.

CAS Institutes of High-Tech Research and Development