MOST and China Banking Regulatory Commission jointly issued a circular to involve scientists in appraising loans to S&T-based SMEs for one-year pilot run in the wake of the National Science and Technology Work Conference to promote the integration of finance with science and technology, finance S&T-based SMEs, and nurture new strategic industries.

According to the circular, banking and financial institutions are entitled to consult scientists in appraising loans to S&T-based SMEs and other projects related to science and technology. Local science and technology departments can add to the list of scientists according to local status quo.