BREAKING BOUNDARIES

"The maker's philosophy is innovation without boundaries. 'Freedom' is the keyword. It means there are no limitations to what I do and how I do it," Zhang Hao believes.

According to Wang Shenglin, CEO of Beijing Makerspace (BM), there are 40,000 to 50,000 makers in China, with most living in the big cities. Local networks and communities are integral collaborative spaces for these makers to learn and share.

Beijing Makerspace, a laboratory that houses about 300 makers in the capital, is located in the Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone, where innovative policies are tested.

Niu Wenwen, Editor of The Founder, a magazine focusing on small and medium new enterprises, has seen the agony of "limitation" since starting his own company, which offers startup consultant services. He said many makers find it difficult to apply for a license.

"Entrepreneurs want less red tape, the government needs to issue policies that facilitate entrepreneurship and innovation, which will release more vitality," Niu says.

Premier Li pledged in his report that the government would "drive scientific and technological innovation" with institutional innovation.

"We will do more to streamline administration and delegate more powers to lower-level governments and society while improving regulation," he said. "Cuts to government power will be made to boost market vitality."