- China is rapidly reshaping its higher education system by eliminating nearly 100 traditional majors and focusing on emerging technologies like quantum computing, AI and integrated circuits, aiming to build a highly skilled workforce.
- This educational shift aligns with China’s broader strategy to achieve technological self-reliance and maintain its competitive edge in the global tech arena, especially amid Western sanctions on advanced semiconductors.
- The focus on hi-tech education is expected to accelerate innovation in sectors like cybersecurity and quantum computing, though it also raises concerns about the future relevance of traditional disciplines and the adaptability of curricula.
China is reshaping its higher education system to address a critical need for a highly skilled workforce in cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and integrated circuits. This push aligns with the government’s broader strategy to boost technological self-reliance and sustain an innovation-driven economy.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), 19 Chinese universities have already suspended or eliminated 99 traditional majors in favor of these emerging disciplines.
Sichuan University, for example, is replacing majors like animation and applied physics with new ones focused on biomass science and engineering, the newspaper reports. This shift, the university believes, will not only support industries like tanning and papermaking but will also prepare for the future demands of the biomass sector. The SCMP added that this change is part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Education, which has urged universities to realign their programs to better serve China’s modernization goals.
Globally, the quantum workforce — or the lack thereof — has long been acknowledged as a weakness in the development and commercialization of the technology. In the West, grassroots workforce development and educational opportunities have been initiated to boost the number of people in the quantum and deep tech areas.
Facing Tensions
In a speech in June, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of seizing the “high ground” in global technology competition, particularly in the face of ongoing tensions with the United States.
“There are still some shortcomings and weaknesses,” Xi stated, recognizing the need to strengthen China’s “national strategic scientific and technological forces.” He called for greater support for basic research while encouraging free exploration in critical fields like quantum technology and AI, according to the SCMP.
The government’s focus on developing a hi-tech workforce is not new, but the current drive is more urgent as China seeks to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions, particularly those that limit access to advanced semiconductors. Vice-Minister of Education Wu Yan reiterated this focus earlier this month, stressing the need for educational programs that are more closely aligned with industry development. It’s a message that he has been stressing since tensions with the West began to percolate.
As reported by the SCMP, Wu said the ministry was working to guide universities in offering classes where talent is most needed.
Official data suggests that Chinese higher education has undergone a significant shift over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, the number of engineering majors in universities across the country increased by 7,566, with 96 new areas of study introduced, including robotics, AI and big data. The SCMP notes that these changes reflect the government’s strategic focus on emerging technologies and regional economic development. Traditional engineering disciplines, meanwhile, are being phased out in favor of majors that align with China’s future industrial needs, such as blockchain, integrated circuit design and cybersecurity.
Xi’s administration has launched several initiatives to bolster the nation’s technological capabilities, including a three-year government plan to train digital engineers, technicians, and workers in fields like smart manufacturing, data security, and big data. The plan mandates that universities introduce new majors related to the digital economy and improve interdisciplinary training to produce a more versatile and skilled workforce.
China’s educational efforts arealso pushing for technological self-sufficiency has become increasingly evident, particularly in sectors like AI and quantum technology, where it aims to establish global leadership. The SCMP reports that the Chinese government views this educational overhaul as essential for maintaining its competitive edge and reducing dependence on foreign technology. The restructuring of university majors is seen as a critical step in ensuring that China has the human capital needed to support its ambitions.
One of the most striking aspects of this initiative is the speed and scale at which it is being implemented. By July 31, nearly 100 traditional majors had already been removed or suspended, with universities swiftly pivoting towards more advanced and specialized fields. As President Xi continues to advocate for an innovation-driven economy, the focus on hi-tech education is expected to intensify, further transforming China’s higher education landscape.
The implications of these changes extend beyond academia. As China continues to build its hi-tech workforce, industries such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, and AI are likely to benefit from a steady influx of highly trained professionals. This, in turn, could accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies, positioning China as a global leader in innovation.
However, the shift is not without challenges. First, top-down organizing of educational priorities can be inefficient and lack agility in responding to future needs. Ensuring that the new majors meet the rapidly evolving needs of the hi-tech industry will require continuous updates to curricula and teaching methods. The focus on emerging technologies raises questions about the future of students and faculty in traditional disciplines, who may find their skills increasingly obsolete in the new educational paradigm.
