Writing the History of Early Industrial Development in the Republic — A Record of the “156 Projects Investigation” Project Team

Against the backdrop of the accelerated restructuring of the industrial system in the New Era, the “156 Projects,” born during the First Five-Year Plan period [n1] as the foundational projects of New China’s industrialization, have once again become the focus of attention from all sectors of society and academia. These projects cover fields such as steel, non-ferrous metallurgy, coal, electric power, chemicals, and machinery manufacturing, laying a solid foundation for China to establish an independent and complete industrial system.

在新时代产业体系加快重塑的背景下，诞生于“一五”时期的“156项工程”，作为新中国工业化的奠基工程，再次成为社会各界和学术界关注的焦点。这批工程涵盖钢铁、有色冶金、煤炭、电力、化工、机械制造等领域，为我国建立独立完整的工业体系打下了坚实基础。

The “156 Projects Investigation” project team (hereinafter referred to as the “Investigation Team”) of the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, spent several years traversing more than ten provinces and municipalities, delving into 30 key enterprises. Using a multidisciplinary approach, they systematically sorted out the formation logic and practical significance of this major project from historical, economic, and social dimensions, presenting the unique experience and far-reaching inspiration of China’s industrialization path.

中国社会科学院经济研究所“156项工程调研”项目组（以下简称“调研组”）历时数年，跨越十余个省市，深入30家重点企业，以多学科交叉的方法，从历史、经济、社会等维度系统梳理了这一重大工程的形成逻辑与现实意义，呈现出中国工业化道路的独特经验与深远启示。

Recently, our newspaper reporter interviewed the Investigation Team. Through “three-generation” oral history interviews, comparison of archival documents, and international case analysis, the Investigation Team comprehensively restored the development process of some “eldest sons of the Republic” [n2] enterprises. This investigation and research spanning time and space not only reveals the historical depth of the “156 Projects” but also provides new coordinates for thinking about the high-quality development of China’s industrial system in the New Era.

近日，本报记者采访了调研组。调研组通过“三代同堂”口述史访谈、档案文献对比及国际案例分析，全面还原了部分“共和国长子”企业的发展历程。这场跨越时空的调查研究，不仅展现了“156项工程”的历史厚度，也为新时代中国工业体系高质量发展提供了新的思考坐标。

A “Time Tunnel” Traversing History

穿越历史的“时光隧道”

Inside the underground mine of Yunnan Gejiu Yunnan Tin Group (YTG), members of the Investigation Team, wearing hard hats and safety suits, carefully followed the staff as they advanced. The tunnels inside the mine extended in all directions, with production vehicles shuttling back and forth, bustling with activity. Although underground, it was brightly lit, and at first glance, it felt like being on a movie set.

云南个旧云锡集团的地下矿井内，调研组成员头戴安全帽，身着安全服，小心翼翼地跟着工作人员前进。矿井内部坑道四通八达，生产车辆往来穿梭，热闹非凡。虽然是地下，却灯火通明，骤然一望，宛如置身电影场景。

The Investigation Team took the elevator back to the surface, and what they saw in the modern dispatch center was equally impressive: through a digital monitoring system, staff could monitor underground mining dynamics in real time and precisely dispatch the production process. The mine manager introduced that in recent years, YTG had significantly improved resource utilization efficiency through technological upgrading and resource integration, while also strengthening safety and environmental protection measures.

调研组乘坐电梯回到地面，在现代化的调度中心的见闻同样精彩：通过数字化监控系统，工作人员可以实时掌控地下采矿动态，精准调度生产流程。矿山负责人介绍，近年来，云锡集团通过技术升级和资源整合，大幅提升资源利用效率，同时也强化安全环保措施。

In 1953, Yunnan Tin was listed as one of the 156 key construction projects in the First Five-Year Plan, with capital construction investment reaching 144.54 million yuan. As time passed, today’s YTG accounts for one-quarter of the global tin product market share, a foundation that cannot be separated from the groundwork laid by the “156 Projects.”

1953年，云南锡业被列为“一五”计划中156个重点建设项目之一，基本建设投资达14454万元。时光荏苒，如今的云锡集团占全球锡产品市场份额的四分之一，离不开“156项工程”打下的基础。

The “156 Projects” were the first batch of major projects in the construction of New China, and they also represent the process by which China adhered to independent innovation and gradually moved toward self-reliance and control in key areas, playing a foundational role in China’s industrialization. The precious material heritage and cultural connotations formed during the construction of these projects are indispensable content for telling China’s story well, inheriting the red lineage, and building a new form of human civilization.

“156项工程”是新中国建设的第一批重大工程，更是我国坚持自主创新，在关键领域一步步走向自主可控的历程，对中国实现工业化起到了奠基作用。工程建设中形成的珍贵物质遗产和文化内涵，是讲好中国故事、传承红色谱系、构建人类文明新形态不可或缺的重要内容。

To understand the “156 Projects,” one must go into the enterprises for in-depth understanding. After extensive preliminary preparation, the Investigation Team identified 30 enterprises to visit and investigate. Regarding the selection of these enterprises, the head of the Investigation Team, Zhao Xuejun, a researcher at the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, “This was not an easy task, because many enterprises have high levels, large scales, and strong confidentiality requirements. We put a great deal of effort into preliminary liaison work, and only succeeded in contacting them with help from many sides.”

要读懂“156项工程”，就要走进企业进行深入了解。调研组经过广泛的前期筹备，锁定了30家走访调研的企业。谈及这些企业的选择，调研组负责人、中国社会科学院经济研究所研究员赵学军表示，“这并不是一项容易的工作，因为很多企业的级别高、体量大、保密性强，我们费了很大功夫进行前期联络工作，在多方帮助下才得以联络成功”。

After delineating the investigation targets, the Investigation Team carried out a detailed “general-specific” division of labor among its members, dividing the work into three parts: holistic research, industrial development research, and regional economic development research. Through such a detailed and clear research plan, the Investigation Team more clearly sorted out the contributions of the “156 Projects” to industrialization, to industrial development, to the development of the state-owned economy, and to regional economic development. Through their efforts, the Investigation Team has so far collected over a hundred types of materials from the relevant enterprises. These materials enrich the research database of the “156 Projects Investigation” project and also provide important materials for in-depth research on the development of these enterprises and their industries.

调研组在圈定调研目标后，便在组内成员间进行了“总分式”的详细分工，分为整体性研究、产业发展研究、区域经济发展研究三个部分。通过这样详细且清晰的研究规划，调研组更清晰地厘清“156项工程”对工业化的贡献、对产业发展的贡献、对国有经济发展的贡献、对区域经济发展的贡献。经过努力，调研组目前已收集到相关企业的百余种资料。这些资料丰富了“156项工程调研”项目研究数据库，也为深入研究这些企业与所在行业的发展提供了重要资料。

Intergenerational Dialogue to Find the Code of Development

代际对话觅发展密码

During the investigation process, the Investigation Team adopted the “three-generation interview method,” conducting stratified surveys targeting the old, middle-aged, and young generations of technical backbone and management within the enterprises. The so-called “three-generation interview method” means that every time the Investigation Team arrived at an enterprise, they would find three generations of employees from different themes such as technology, publicity, and management, and then communicate with them on issues such as products, equipment, and processes. This “intergenerational dialogue” not only allowed the Investigation Team to better understand the enterprise’s development context and restore historical truth but also enabled them to identify some important factors affecting development through comparison. For example, during the investigation at North China Pharmaceutical Factory, the team used the “three-generation interview method” to uncover details of how older-generation experts like Qi Moujia [n3] broke through Soviet fermentation technology in the 1950s.

在调研过程中，调研组采用“三代人访谈法”，针对企业中的老、中、青三代技术骨干与管理层展开分层调研。所谓“三代人访谈法”，即调研组每到一个企业，会根据技术、宣传、管理等不同主题找不同的三代企业员工，再根据产品、装置、工艺等问题与他们交流。这种“代际对话”不仅让调研组更能了解企业发展脉络、还原历史真相，也能通过对比得出一些能够影响发展的重要因素。例如，在华北制药厂的调研中，团队通过“三代人访谈法”，挖掘了齐谋甲等老一辈专家在20世纪突破苏联发酵技术的细节。

In the 1950s, China’s penicillin production was very low, and it introduced the penicillin project and the starch project for manufacturing antibiotics from the Soviet Union. Qi Moujia, a technician at North China Pharmaceutical Factory, was sent to the Soviet Union to study antibiotic research and production. During his time in the Soviet Union, he devoted himself to studying the penicillin production process, mastering all aspects including the growth characteristics of the strain, penicillin fermentation parameters, and processes. After returning, he became the workshop director. After the Soviet experts withdrew, Tao Jingzhi [n4] led the team to successfully breed superior strains, achieving “the student surpassing the master.” Their spirit of exploration and dedication laid a solid foundation for penicillin production at North China Pharmaceutical Factory and became a precious spiritual asset inspiring generations of pharmaceutical workers.

20世纪50年代，我国青霉素的产量很低，从苏联引进了青霉素项目和制造抗生素的淀粉项目。华北制药厂的技术人员齐谋甲被派到苏联学习抗生素的研究和生产。在苏联期间，他废寝忘食地研究青霉素的生产工艺，把菌种的生长特点、青霉素的发酵参数、工艺等全部掌握，学成归来后担任车间主任。在苏联专家撤退后，陶静之带领团队成功选育出更优菌种，做到青出于蓝而胜于蓝。他们的探索精神与敬业奉献为华北制药厂的青霉素生产奠定了坚实基础，也成为激励一代又一代制药人的宝贵精神财富。

In the early 21st century, North China Pharmaceutical did not achieve an ideal operating state. However, in recent years, its third-level subsidiary, Jintan Biotechnology, successfully achieved transformation through vaccine research and development, using its original technological reserves, with annual profits accounting for over 60% of the group’s total profit. This situation of “ice and fire” fully demonstrates the importance of “professional deep cultivation” for the sustainable development of state-owned enterprises. They turned the mission of “everything for human health” into development momentum, relying on brand and technological advantages, targeting changes in the spectrum of human diseases, continuously meeting public medication needs, and achieving a substantive transformation from starting with antibiotics to “leading in biological drugs.”

21世纪初期，华北制药并没有出现理想的经营状态。但近年该企业下属的三级公司金坦生物，利用原先的技术储备，通过疫苗研发成功实现了转型，年利润占集团总利润的60%以上。这种“冰火两重天”的局面充分证明了“专业深耕”对于国有企业持续发展的重要性。他们把“一切为了人类健康”的使命化为发展动能，依托品牌与技术优势，瞄准人类疾病谱的变化，不断满足大众用药需求，实现了由抗生素起家到“生物药领航”的实质性转型。

Faced with the strict confidentiality systems of military, petrochemical, and other enterprises, the Investigation Team adopted more flexible strategies. During the investigation at Lanzhou Petrochemical, the difficulty of the investigation increased due to the incomplete historical materials of the enterprise. Faced with the dilemma of being unable to access archives, the Investigation Team tried to find alternative materials from external sources, such as searching for Russian-language materials in Russia, and using Russian-language materials to cross-reference with the meeting minutes still preserved within the enterprise, thereby obtaining accurate historical information.

面对军工、石化等企业的严格保密制度，调研组采用了更灵活的策略。在调研兰州石化的过程中，由于企业的历史资料残缺，调研难度增加。面对档案无法查看的困境，调研组尝试从外部寻找替代资料，如在俄罗斯搜寻俄文资料，并利用俄文资料与企业内部尚留存的会谈纪要等进行对照，以此获取准确历史信息。

Yu Wenhao, a researcher at the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a member of the Investigation Team, said that some enterprises were not cooperative with the investigation, increasing the difficulty. However, the Investigation Team adhered to an attitude of not easily giving up, actively sought solutions, and finally obtained the enterprises’ consent, ensuring the smooth progress of the investigation work.

调研组成员、中国社会科学院经济学研究所研究员于文浩表示，有的企业对调研并不配合，增加了调研的难度，但调研组秉持不轻易放弃的态度，积极寻找解决方法，最终获得企业同意，保证调研工作顺利开展。

Through comparing Russian-language archives, factory history materials, and on-site interview materials with veteran employees, the Investigation Team clarified the actual ratio of Soviet technical assistance to independent innovation at the time, concluding that China’s proportion of independent innovation was actually very high. This finding highlights China’s independent research and development capability and innovative spirit during a specific historical period. At the same time, by deeply excavating these historical details, the Investigation Team also discovered many overlooked technological turning points and innovation points, all of which have important reference value for subsequent research on the history of technology and the formulation of enterprise development strategies.

调研组通过俄文档案、厂志资料，比对与老员工现场访谈的资料，厘清了当时苏联技术援助与自主创新的真实比例，认为实际上当时我国自主创新比例非常高。这一发现彰显了我国在特定历史时期内的自主研发能力和创新精神。同时，通过深入挖掘这些历史细节，调研组还发现了许多被忽视的技术转折点和创新点，这些都对后续的技术史研究和企业发展策略制定具有重要的参考价值。

A Dual Narrative Highlighting the History of Technology and Social Responsibility

彰显技术史与社会责任的双重叙事

This investigation was not only an academic journey but also a profoundly moving red journey. The development of the “156 Projects” enterprises is closely linked to the destiny of the nation. These enterprises are not only economic entities but also important inheritors and practitioners of red culture. Their struggle process and spiritual outlook are precious assets in the history of China’s industrial development.

此次调研不仅是一场学术之旅，更是一场震撼人心的红色之旅。“156项工程”企业的发展与国家命运紧密相连，这些企业不仅是经济实体，更是红色文化的重要传承者和践行者，他们的奋斗历程和精神风貌是中国工业发展史上的宝贵财富。

“Without large machinery, use shoulders to carry; without Soviet experts, figure it out ourselves!” In the midst of the raging sea, the true nature of heroes is revealed; amid high winds and rough waves, the mainstay is even more evident.

“没有大型机械，就用肩膀扛；没有苏联专家，就自己摸索！”沧海横流，方显英雄本色；风高浪急，更见砥柱中流。

Success requires paying a great price. During the investigation process, the research team was invariably moved by the profound patriotic sentiment and great spirit of dedication of these enterprises. In the early days of the founding of the People’s Republic, China was already able to manufacture automobiles and aircraft, but the problem of oil product quality became a bottleneck restricting the development of weapons and equipment. When faced with the difficulty of the Soviet Union’s technical withdrawal, the research and development personnel of Lanzhou Petrochemical, undaunted by hardships, completed the oil product research and development, effectively guaranteeing the normal operation of aircraft and automobiles. Yu Wenhao said emotionally to the reporter: “At that time, many workers were on the front line; their joints had already become deformed and they could not move normally, yet they still held fast to their posts and continued working.” They interpreted their loyalty and responsibility to the country with their lives. This period of history not only highlights China’s tenacity and struggle in independent technological research and development, and reflects the unity and cooperation of the whole nation, but also gave the research team a deeper understanding of China’s industrial development history, leading them to recognize that the success of the “156 Projects” [5]5 The “156 Projects” (156项工程) refers to a group of industrial projects that the Soviet Union agreed to assist China in building during the 1950s, forming the core of China’s first Five-Year Plan and laying the foundation for its heavy industry. stemmed not only from technological breakthroughs, but also from the national spirit and cohesion. Yu Wenhao sighed with emotion: “These workers filled the technological gap with their flesh and blood; their spiritual legacy is more worthy of remembrance than output value.”

成功需要付出巨大代价，在调研过程中，调研组无不被这些企业浓厚的爱国情怀和伟大的奉献精神所感染。新中国成立初期，我国已能制造汽车和飞机，但油品质量问题却成为制约武器装备发展的瓶颈。面临苏联技术撤离困境时，兰州石化研发人员不畏艰难完成油品研发，有力保障了飞机和汽车的正常运行。于文浩动情地对记者说道：“当时许多工人在前线，关节已经变形，无法正常行动，他们却依然坚守岗位，继续工作。”他们用生命诠释着对国家的忠诚和担当。这段历史不仅彰显了我国在自主技术研发中的坚韧与拼搏，体现了全国上下的团结协作，也让调研组对中国工业发展史有了更深刻的理解，认识到“156项工程”的成功不仅源于技术突破，更源于民族精神和凝聚力。于文浩感慨道：“这些工人用血肉之躯填补了技术鸿沟，其精神遗产比产值更值得铭记。”

During the investigation at the Wuhan Iron and Steel Group, the research team discovered that state-owned enterprises are very rich in red educational resources [6]6 “Red educational resources” (红色教育资源) refers to materials, sites, and narratives associated with the history of the Chinese Communist Party and the revolutionary tradition, used for ideological and political education.. In particular, the internal factory history exhibition halls established by the enterprises vividly reflect the difficult course and glorious achievements of industrial construction under the leadership of the Party. The research team submitted proposals on leveraging the red educational resources of state-owned enterprises and advancing Party history study and education within state-owned enterprises.

在武汉钢铁集团调研中，调研组发现国有企业的红色教育资源十分丰富，特别是企业建立的内部厂史展览厅生动形象地反映出党领导工业建设的艰难历程与光辉成就，调研组提交了发挥国有企业红色教育资源、推进国有企业党史学习教育的建议。

The research team also visited China First Heavy Industries Group Co., Ltd., located in Fulaerji District, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province. This place is hailed as “the foremost heavy industry base of China’s manufacturing industry.” Behind these achievements lies the tireless hard work and unremitting efforts of countless industrial workers, who worked day and night. They not only mastered exquisite skills, but also harbored a love for the country and a sense of responsibility for national industry.

调研组还走进坐落在黑龙江省齐齐哈尔市富拉尔基区的中国一重集团有限公司。这里被誉为“中国制造业的第一重地”。成就背后，是无数产业工人夜以继日的辛勤付出与不懈努力。他们不仅掌握了精湛的技术，更怀揣着对国家的热爱和对民族工业的责任感。

After gaining an in-depth understanding of the development history of China First Heavy Industries Group, the research team was deeply shocked. They saw that this place not only has modern production equipment and advanced management concepts, but also a powerful spiritual force supporting every employee. This force is precisely the invaluable treasure indispensable in the history of China’s industrial development. It was precisely under the inspiration of these vivid investigation experiences that the research team broke through the limitations of “GDP-only theory” [7]7 “GDP-only theory” (唯GDP论) is a critique of an approach that evaluates economic performance solely by gross domestic product growth, neglecting other social and environmental factors. and strengthened their focus on the performance of state-owned enterprises in terms of technological contribution, industrial chain security, and social responsibility.

调研组在深入了解中国一重集团的发展历程后，深受震撼。他们看到，这里不仅有现代化的生产设备和先进的管理理念，更有一股强大的精神力量在支撑着每一位员工。这种力量，正是中国工业发展史中不可或缺的宝贵财富。正是在这些鲜活调研经历的启发下，调研组突破了“唯GDP论”的局限，加强关注国企在技术贡献、产业链安全和社会责任方面的表现。

At the Harbin Turbine Company, the scene of “robots standing in rows, human figures sparse” in the fully automated workshop highlighted the process of “great power heavy equipment” [8]8 “Great power heavy equipment” (大国重器) is a term used to describe large-scale, strategically important industrial machinery and equipment that symbolizes national strength. transitioning toward intelligent transformation; cases such as Ansteel’s investment of huge sums in environmental protection upgrades demonstrated the silent contributions made by state-owned enterprises in ensuring people’s livelihoods and undertaking ecological responsibilities. At the same time, the technical training provided by large state-owned enterprises for industrial workers is also an important manifestation of their social value. These factors also made Zhao Xuejun more aware: “Efficiency is only one aspect of evaluating state-owned enterprises; their role in the autonomization of core technologies, industrial chain security, and social stability is irreplaceable.” To this end, the research team paid special attention to how state-owned enterprises under the market system can properly assume social responsibilities, and submitted a report stating that state-owned enterprise reform should coordinate public welfare with enterprise nature.

在哈尔滨汽轮机厂，全自动化车间“机器人林立、人影稀疏”的景象，彰显了“大国重器”向智能化转型的进程；鞍钢投入巨额资金进行环保升级等案例，展示了国企在确保民生和承担生态责任方面作出的默默奉献。同时，大型国企对产业工人的技术培训也是其社会价值的重要体现。这些也令赵学军更加认识到：“效率只是评价国企的一个方面，它们在核心技术自主化、产业链安全以及社会稳定方面所承担的作用是不可替代的。”为此，调研组特别关注市场体制下国有企业如何承担好社会责任，提交了国有企业改革应做好公共性与企业性相协调的报告。

Contributing Wisdom to China’s Industrial Development

为我国工业发展贡献智慧

What the “156 Projects” have left for the present era is not only memories, but also a spiritual gene of “independent assault on difficulties, mission must be accomplished.” Today, this gene of struggle remains the core driving force for solving the “stranglehold” predicament [9]9 The “stranglehold” predicament (卡脖子困境) refers to a situation where a country is dependent on foreign technology or supplies in critical areas, leaving it vulnerable to external pressure or sanctions., and also inspired the research team to go all out and continuously deepen the project research.

“156项工程”留给当代的不仅是回忆，更是一种“自主攻坚、使命必达”的精神基因。今天，这种奋斗基因仍是破解“卡脖子”困境的核心动力，也鼓舞了调研组全力以赴、不断推进项目研究持续深入。

At present, the research team has preliminarily completed manuscripts on the construction and commissioning of the “156 Projects,” the “156 Projects” and the economic development of Luoyang city, the “156 Projects” and the economic development of Anshan city, the “156 Projects” and the development of the steel industry, and the “156 Projects” and the development of the petrochemical industry. Through rich historical materials and detailed data, the research team demonstrates the implementation effects and successful experiences of the “156 Projects” in different fields and regions, providing valuable reference and inspiration for current and future industrial development. In addition, they have actively transformed their research results into policy recommendations, providing strong intellectual support for government decision-making, reflecting the research team’s high sense of social responsibility and mission. As the research deepens, the research team will continue to excavate the historical value and contemporary significance of the “156 Projects,” contributing more wisdom and strength to promoting the sustained development of China’s industry.

目前，调研组已初步完成了关于“156项”建设工程建设与投产、“156项”建设工程与洛阳城市经济发展、“156项”建设工程与鞍山城市经济发展、“156项”建设工程与钢铁产业发展、“156项”建设工程与石化产业的发展等方面的书稿。调研组通过丰富的史料和翔实的数据，展现了“156项工程”在不同领域、不同地区的实施效果与成功经验，为当前和未来产业发展提供了宝贵的借鉴与启示。此外，他们还积极将研究成果转化为政策建议，为政府决策提供了有力的智力支持，体现了调研组高度的社会责任感和使命感。随着研究的不断深入，调研组将继续挖掘“156项工程”的历史价值与现实意义，为推动中国工业的持续发展贡献更多的智慧与力量。

The “156-Project Investigation” is like a dialogue across time and space, both a tribute to history and an inquiry into the future. With solid investigative work, the research team has proven that state-owned enterprise reform cannot simply copy the marketization template, but must seek a dynamic balance among historical experience, national strategy, and social responsibility. Heavy equipment is silent; its soul is bound to the lifeline of the nation. This weighty mission will surge forward in the long river of China’s industrialization. (The author is a reporter for the *Chinese Social Sciences Today*)

“156项工程调研”如同一场跨越时空的对话，既是对历史的致敬，更是对未来的叩问。调研组以扎实的调研工作证明，国企改革不能简单复制市场化模板，而需在历史经验、国家战略与社会责任间寻找动态平衡。重器无声，魂系国家命脉。这份沉甸甸的使命，将在中国工业化的长河中澎湃向前。（作者为《中国社会科学报》记者）

Online Editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧