A reference to the "Outline Programme for High Technology Research and Development". On March 5, 1986, commenting on a proposal by the four scientists Wang Daheng, Wang Ganchang, Yang Jiachi and Chen Fangyun that China should keep up with other countries in the development of high technology, Deng Xiaoping wrote: "This proposal is very important.... Ask some specialists to discuss it with responsible comrades. In light of their opinions, we should decide on a policy without delay." Different opinions were expressed about whether, when high technology projects were chosen, priority was to be given to developing the economy or to strengthening defence. On April 6 Deng commented: "I agree with the principle of undertaking both military and civilian projects, but chiefly civilian." On October 6, having read a report on the draft programme, he noted: "I suggest that this programme be adopted and implemented without delay. If it has defects, it can be revised or added to while it is being carried out."

The following November, with the support of Deng, the Central Committee and the State Council adopted the suggested programme, which came to be called the "plan of March 1986". According to this plan, priority was to be given to certain areas of research that would have a great impact on economic and social development. These were biology, space exploration, information, defence, automation, energy and new materials. In these important areas of high technology, China should keep up with the rest of the world. In March 1987 the plan was put into effect. On April 23, 1991, Deng wrote the following message for the National Working Conference on the Plan of March 1986: "Develop high technology and apply research results in production."