University-based science and technology think tanks empowering rural revitalization in Western China: logic, tasks, and pathways

Rural revitalization in Western China is a key link in promoting coordinated regional development. However, due to the interplay of multiple constraining factors, such as complex natural conditions, weak industrial foundations, and a severe shortage of talent, the further advancement of rural revitalization in the Western region still faces deep-seated obstacles. As an important force in the national science, technology, and innovation system, university-based science and technology think tanks possess unique advantages in strategic research and scientific and technological decision-making support, thereby providing crucial backing for addressing the development bottlenecks of Western rural areas. In the process of empowerment, it is first necessary to clarify the empowerment logic through which university-based science and technology think tanks serve rural revitalization in Western China. Subsequently, their core tasks should be identified, including promoting industrial and technological innovation, strengthening incentives for science and technology talent, and driving scientific decision-making in rural areas. On this basis, pathways such as building a collaborative network rooted in Western rural communities, delivering science and technology services tailored to the characteristics of Western villages, and establishing evaluation mechanisms that emphasize tangible development outcomes in Western rural areas should be pursued. These efforts will facilitate the deep integration of science and technology resources with the development needs of Western rural areas, thereby providing sustained and systematic intellectual support for rural revitalization in Western China.