Senior tech official stresses importance of innovation for growth

China must take the initiative on innovation rather than just relying on its late-development advantage, a top technology official said on Thursday.

"Innovation-driven growth will be the only model for China's development," said Zhang Laiwu, vice-minister of science and technology, at the third Annual Meeting of China's Independent Innovation in Beijing.

"Nowadays, no matter how much you invest, there will not be too much growth generated," added Zhang.