Premier Li Keqiang encouraged innovation and entrepreneurship among young people during the May 16 launch ceremony of this year’s National Science and Technology Week in Beijing.

A written instruction from Premier Li praised the key role played by Science and Technology Week, now in its 15th year, in disseminating scientific knowledge to the public across the country.

This year’s event, themed “innovation and entrepreneurship, benefit the public with science and technology”, bears great significance in conforming to the trend of social development, Li said.

He noted that the development and popularization of science and technology serve as an important pillar for mass entrepreneurship and innovation

The premier urged more effort in improving scientific technology management systems, cultivating a culture of innovation that esteems knowledge and creation, and stimulating enthusiasm for starting businesses and innovation among millions of people, especially young people.

Every individual can innovate and it benefits everyone, he said.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong attended the ceremony and announced its inauguration.

More than 800,000 activities have been conducted since 2001, participated by over 1 billion people. The event has become an important platform for promoting the popularization of scientific technology and contributed significantly to advocating scientific methods and philosophies.

This year’s National Science and Technology Week event will involve more than 1,800 key activities.