SHANGHAI — Vice-Premier Liu He has stressed efforts to give full play to the role of entrepreneurs and researchers in technological innovation.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection trip to Shanghai on Sept 17.

The vice-premier listened to opinions of a group of entrepreneurs and researchers on improving the innovation environment and stimulating initiatives during a symposium, after inspecting some technological innovation-based, middle and small-sized enterprises.

Liu urged efforts to deepen reform in State-owned scientific research institutions, stimulate the creativity of scientific researchers and roll out more original innovations.

Noting that more than 70 percent of technological innovation in China has been brought about by middle and small-sized enterprises, Liu stressed equal treatment of State-owned and private businesses, strengthened intellectual property protection and increased financial support for middle and small-sized companies.