China - Key Studies Development Project

 ICRR 10398 Report Number : ICRR10398 ICR Review Operations Evaluation Department 1. Project Data : OEDID : OEDID: C2210 Project ID : P003478 Project Name : Key Studies Development Project Country : China Sector : Other Education L/C Number : C2210 Partners involved : Prepared by : Helen Abadzi, OEDST Reviewed by : Helen Abadzi Group Manager : Gregory K. Ingram Date Posted : 06/30/1999 2. Project Objectives, Financing, Costs and Components : The credit supported the government's 1985 decision to reform the management of science and technology programs. The project was to: (a) increase the output of scientific researchers trained to international standards through master, doctoral and post-doctoral programs; (b) enhance the quality and productivity of research in strategic areas relevant to long-term economic and social development; (c) strengthen the management of scientific research at both the national and laboratory level; (d) provide a modern scientific infrastructure for Chinese scientists trained at home and abroad; and (e) encourage scientific cooperation across institutional and national boundaries . The project financed: (a) support for research and graduate student training in 133 State key and special laboratories; (b) a pilot program to assist seven of the project laboratories to improve management efficiency and the quality of research and training of graduate students in science; (c) development of a demonstration computer network to link Qinghua and Beijing Universities and a research computer center, and establish an enhanced computing facility; and (d) a program advisory group of Chinese and foreign experts to provide advice to implementing agencies on the overall direction and progress of all components . Afer extensions totalling 2.5 years, the project closed on December 31, 1998, and the credit of US$131 million was fully disbursed. 3. Achievement of Relevant Objectives : Objectives were substantially achieved . Most target performance indicators were met or exceeded . Eighty eight percent of the credit was used to buy scientific equipment, which improved the quality of training and access by students. 4. Significant Achievements : Project achievements were many. Increased numbers of graduate students are trained at high levels of quality . Laboratory management has improved, and the ground has been laid for more effective technology transfers . Though wary of maintaining independence, institions collaborated in joint undertakings . A network of institutions developed computer local access networks, which, among other benefits, substantially increased internet access in China. Technical assistance was used effectively, bringing renowned scientists to China . A pilot laboratory management program failed to produce a model of good management but called attention to the importance of leadership and clarity of goals . 5. Significant Shortcomings : Female participation, expected to increase from 18% to 25% increased modestly to 24%. However, job descrimination in science affects women's career decisions away from theoretical fields and into marketing of products; therefore, fewer women scientists were trained than expected . Though the Bank was willing to modify procurement procedures to avoid obsolescence during ordering of large packages, traditional procedures were used, which to some extent compromised the level of equipment acquired . 6. Ratings : ICR OED Review Reason for Disagreement /Comments Outcome : Satisfactory Satisfactory Institutional Dev .: Substantial Substantial Sustainability : Likely Likely Bank Performance : Satisfactory Satisfactory Borrower Perf .: Satisfactory Satisfactory Quality of ICR : Satisfactory 7. Lessons of Broad Applicability : With appropriate resources and careful planning it is possible to accelerate China' scientitic and technological development by training its graduate students at international levels of proficiency and in increased numbers . Yet, it is difficult to transfer managerial experience acquired in other countries to China . 8. Audit Recommended? Yes No Why? The project is a success story in an area where the Bank has made little investment . 9. Comments on Quality of ICR : The ICR was satisfactory.