What can we learn from COVID-19 vaccine R&D in China? A discussion from a public policy perspective

Abstract

Given China’s relatively weak innovative and regulatory capacity compared with developed countries, China’s progress on COVID-19 vaccines is especially impressive. We summarize three key lessons from China’s experience with COVID-19 vaccine R&D: (i) set strategic vaccine R&D goals and achieve broad consensus; (ii) strengthen coordination across government agencies and (iii) adopt the state-driven collaborative model.