context: The rise of AI programs in 2020 has already been well noted. Higher education is increasingly becoming employment-oriented, adjusted to serve national development goals in technology. Central government is hoping to kill two birds with one stone, resolving unemployment issues while making up technological and industrial deficits compared to developed countries.
World Class 2.0 universities are increasingly offering programs in AI and big data, reports 21st Century Business Herald. But universities also integrate them with their existing strengths. For example, Xiamen University’s big data program is based on its economics and management programs, while the same program at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry Technology University focuses on digital agriculture. Renmin University of China’s AI program is set up under the AI research institute of Hillhouse Capital Group, collaborating with overseas universities and offering opportunities for training in well-known enterprises.
Network security is also popular. Ren Kui 任奎 Zhejiang University Research Centre for Network Security director says with the rise of ‘new infrastructure’, demand for professionals in network security is surging. Smart manufacturing is another focus for universities. Deng Yi 邓怡 Beihang University Office of Admission and Employment director says her university is launching a new program in smart manufacturing to help build strong high-end industries. Many universities are also offering interdisciplinary programs to assist students find their interests.
But Yao Kai 姚凯 Fudan University professor still criticises universities for not producing graduates the industry needs, reports Yicai. There are several reasons, including
- homogeneity among universities is increasing
- universities are expanding excessively beyond their capacity
- universities are slow to adapt to changes in industries
He offers three suggestions, including
- predicting industry demands using big data and adjusting programs accordingly
- integrating new technology into programs and innovating education methods
- setting up new programs according to national strategies and local development needs