The topic of basic research from 0 to 1 in the scientific and technological circles is gradually heating up. This view seems to have been confirmed at various public opinion briefings. In order to clarify some vague cognition, we might as well sort out the rise of this statement. In 2018, the State Council issued several opinions of the State Council on Comprehensively Strengthening basic scientific research, which clearly pointed out that we should give full play to the source supply and leading role of basic research in scientific and technological innovation and solve the problem of the lack of "0-1" original achievements in China's basic research. This should be the official origin of the problem. Then, in March 2020, the Ministry of science and technology, the development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of education, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Natural Science Foundation Commission jointly formulated the work plan for strengthening "from 0 to 1" basic research, which is the reason for the continuous rise of public opinion on basic research. The problem now is that promoting the development of basic research is a complex systematic project, which is far from being covered by a metaphor. In my opinion, to really change the current situation of basic research, we need to cross three thresholds, otherwise the breakthrough from 0 to 1 cannot be easily crossed.

First, cognitive threshold. This is related to the characteristics of basic research. Generally speaking, basic research is to explore the essence of unknown things. It is still a long way from the current application. The more basic it is, the farther it is from reality. In this sense, it is unrealistic to blindly pursue the so-called leap from 0 to 1, which has been fully proved by the research of the history of science. In order to clarify this problem clearly, we might as well divide from 0 to 1 into three development stages: 0 ~ 0.5, 0.5 ~ 1 and 1 ~ n. these three stages are the conventional cognitive path for human beings to engage in basic research. The so-called 0 ~ 0.5 refers to the phenomenon that can not be predicted or accurately paid attention to. In this range, speculation, hypothesis and imagination coexist. Few such basic studies have been finally confirmed. Its birthplace is usually in the high potential energy area of human cognition. Its emergence is accidental and unplanned, Just as no one knows when the next Newton and Einstein will appear, even so, it can be judged in the approximate area, which usually occurs in places with a high level of scientific knowledge. 0.5 ~ 1 is precisely the most active interval in basic research. The problem has been gradually clarified, but no one has solved the problem so far. This interval has crossed the stage of blindly looking for and confirming problems. The rest is to wait patiently for the emergence of a new theory or method. This interval can accelerate its development speed through policy support; The 1 ~ n interval is a typical follow-up research mode. Although the basic research in this interval is less innovative, the expansion of new fields is also valuable. For example, the development of various derivative technologies related to the Internet is related to this kind of research.

Secondly, cultural threshold. Due to the poor liquidity of basic research results, engaging in such research requires a spirit of dedication and exploration, and this incentive function is mainly provided by culture. For example, Puritan culture in the 17th century directly contributed to the rise of modern science, because in the view of Puritan culture, exploring nature and revealing its internal laws is the highest praise to God. In this sense, the unique spiritual temperament or characteristics set by the cultural threshold determine the type and purpose of research. For the secular culture dominated by utilitarian culture, it is difficult to arouse this feeling of birth. Therefore, for Chinese culture, we must change the utilitarian culture eager for quick success and instant benefit in order to provide an internal driving force support from culture for the continuous promotion of basic research, otherwise it is impossible to activate group preference. Because the incentive provided by culture is slow and lasting, which is also consistent with the long and arduous process of scientific exploration, only the transformation of cultural paradigm can provide the most stable driving force for people engaged in basic research. For China, we need to use scientific culture to transform traditional culture, so as to provide rational support for the acceptance and recognition of basic research. Cultural characteristics, especially for the original basic research enthusiasm in the range of 0 ~ 0.5, are very important.

Third, policy threshold. Since the era of big science, the form and development mode of science and technology have undergone fundamental changes: big team, big investment, big equipment, big goal and big risk. The development of science and technology is inseparable from the support of policy. In this sense, policy has become the largest exogenous variable of science and technology development, from macro to micro. So how do policies regulate the development of basic research? There are three ways: first, to promote basic research through the change of resource allocation structure. The resources here generally include the following categories: funds, talents and recognition. This kind of policy tool has the strongest regulatory power, and the policy audience is the most sensitive to it; Second, set up a new evaluation system through policy, so as to change people's behavior choice; Third, promote a culture conducive to basic research through policies, and reshape the values of scientific and technological workers in a silent way. Over time, so as to change social cognition and practitioners' preferences, and finally achieve the purpose of promoting basic research. Therefore, the transformation of basic research from 0 to 1 is far from as simple as expected. Its implementation needs to cross many thresholds, otherwise everything is just on paper. For China today, how can we specifically promote basic research?

On the journey of promoting basic research, we should clearly realize that the upsurge of this round of basic research is a passive result, rather than the stage of technological development. Due to the sudden emergence of neck technology, policymakers and people of insight realize that a country's basic research level directly determines its basic innovation level, which is a variant of the typical Wan Bush's linear science and technology development model, that is, basic research determines applied research, and finally determines the industrialization level. Therefore, in order to make substantial progress in basic research, the following points must be considered, otherwise it will only lead to a multiplier effect.

First, where is the space for clear policy? The author believes that the long-term goal of the policy should be to create a new culture suitable for basic research in the whole society, and the medium-term goal of the policy is to promote the change and adjustment of resource allocation structure through tangible policy tools, so as to rebuild the preference of science and technology community, so as to increase the strength and scale of basic research; The short-term goal of the policy is to establish a new evaluation system and incentive mechanism to effectively guide the scientific and technological community to participate in specific basic research issues.

Second, clarify which stage of basic research can be directly regulated by policy? The author believes that there is no direction and goal in the 0 ~ 0.5 stage of basic research, and the policy cannot be implemented accurately, but there should be a line of space for this part of research. Therefore, the dominance of this range should be left to the science and technology community. The policy should really focus on the 0.5 ~ 1 range of basic research. At this time, the problem has been clear, depending on whether each player's resource investment and policy arrangement are appropriate. For example, the current COVID-19, the coronavirus that causes the disease has been very clear. It depends on who can solve this problem effectively. The basic research in this interval is equivalent to Stokes's so-called Pasteur quadrant, that is, the basic research triggered by application, which is why the author has stressed that China's basic research should start from this level for many years. As for the extended basic research of 1 ~ n interval, this part can be completely handled by the market. After all, the market is the main battlefield of innovation.

Third, remember the great leap forward in the layout of basic research. Basic research is a very luxurious and difficult research. At present, in terms of the reserves of people, property and knowledge, the fields and resources in which we can carry out in-depth basic research are very limited. This situation will not fundamentally change in the short term. Therefore, we must be vigilant against a swarm of basic research. Objectively speaking, the number of excellent scientists who can really carry out cutting-edge basic research is limited. The proportion of basic research in R & D investment is maintained at 5 ~ 6% every year. We predict that the most optimistic estimate of the proportion of basic research investment during the 14th Five Year Plan period is between 8 ~ 10%. Moreover, we are not many in the leading position in the field of cutting-edge knowledge, These backgrounds determine that our basic research can not engage in the great leap forward model. Under the condition of moderate redundancy, the promotion of basic research must adhere to the concept of precision rather than extensive and comprehensive development. This means that many fields, regions and people are unable to carry out advanced basic research. This part of the task can only be completed by a few people in a few fields. This research and judgment is in line with the reality of China's scientific and technological development.