Translating science and technology policies and programs into grassroots innovations in China

Purpose – Grassroots innovations (GRIs) can contribute greatly to inclusive development and reach out populations and areas not reached by or ignored by the formal sector. The purpose of the paper is to study how China's science and technology (S&T) policies and programs are translated into GRIs. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of the grassroots organizations of farmer Chen Guangxing, of Baodi County, Tianjin City, is applied. Findings – Government S&T policies and programs do transfer to the grassroots innovators; the government support is continuous and all-round; the grassroots innovators' leadership is important to get the support; the research and diffusion projects that grassroots innovators received are integrated in some cases; and the S&T training contributes to farmers' research and project application. Practical implications – There is a need to increase financial support to the grassroots innovators, provide guidance to them and set up a GRI reporting mechanism. Originality/value – The paper gives an insight into the synergies and illustrates how and why the grassroots innovators benefit from the laws, policies and ensuing programs that are not directly meant for them.