In 2008, adhering to the principle of meeting the need of core business development, the Company concentrated on independent innovation, accelerated the research on core & special technology, and expedited the promotion and application of technological achievements. Science & Technology plays a more vital role in supporting the business operation and development. In 2008, Sinopec was namely Innovative Enterprise jointly by the Ministry of Science and Technology, State Asset Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and All China Federation of Trade Unions. The second award of National Award for Technological Invention went to high-efficiency shape selective catalysis technology development and its role in producing PX. Other 8 projects were named the 2nd National Prize for Progress in Science and Technology. They are  stable productions technology at block oilfield in Shengli Oilfield; scientific and technological integration and innovation at scientifically deep drilling in mainland China; research and application of packaged technology on 100 kt/a aniline; application of packaged technology on recovering ethylene resources from refineries; FCC dry gas to ethyl-benzene gas phase alkylation and liquid phase paraffin transfer technology and commercialization; migrating double pipe gas returning units; new technology and project application of bio-de-NOx waste water technology research and application of packages technology and key equipments on 0.3-million-ton synthetic nitrogen.

The Company has a complete system for technology development, and intellectual property management, and has strong capabilities in technological research and development. The R&D Department is in charge of technology development, promotion and application, intellectual property rights, technology licensing, international technological exchange and cooperation, development of new products, development of catalysts, additives and auxiliary agents, quality supervision, standards and measurement management. Among the Company staff, 19 members are academicians of China Academy of Sciences and China Academy of Engineering.

In 2008, Sinopec applied for 918 domestic patents, of which 572 were granted, and applied for 225 patents overseas, of which 173 were granted.