Scientific researchers are important and irreplaceable for wealth creation for the country, and they should enjoy higher income through legal and reasonable means, Premier Li Keqiang said during a conference on national strategies to develop science and technology on July 27.

A total of 21 State Council executive meetings held by this government have addressed the issue of scientific innovation, which determines whether the country’s development strategies will succeed, the Premier said.

Having missed several scientific revolutions, China must focus on scientific innovation and develop its competitiveness, he also said.