Abstract:Basic research is the fundamental way to enhance the original innovation ability, the motive force of the human civilization progress, and the forerunner of scientific and technological progress.The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) is one of the most important channels to support basic research in China. It has been recognized as one of the most regulated and fair funds by researchers. The NSFC also best reflects researcher competitiveness. Competition for funding by the NSFC has been a very important indicator to measure the basic research level of various regions and scientific research institutions. Based on the project information of NSFC, the paper constructs the index of basic research competitiveness, analyzes the number of projects and project funds, the proportion of funding for each science department and each project type during 2006-2016. At the same time, the ranking of basic research competitiveness of 31 provinces and autonomous regions in China and its changing trend are analyzed, some improvement suggestions are forward.