Core Insights - The current demand for engineering talent in China is shifting from a "large and comprehensive" approach to a more specialized focus, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary and innovative skills in the era of artificial intelligence [1][2][3] - Over 80% of academic disciplines in Chinese universities are products of the first three industrial revolutions, leading to issues such as outdated curricula and a mismatch between educational outcomes and industry needs [1][2] - The Ministry of Education has initiated a reform plan aiming to optimize and adjust 20% of academic programs by 2025, resulting in a significant number of new and discontinued engineering programs [5][9] Group 1: Industry Needs and Educational Reform - The engineering education system in China is facing challenges due to the traditional emphasis on specialization, which limits the breadth of knowledge and innovation capabilities among graduates [1][2] - Universities are increasingly collaborating with government and industry to cultivate engineering talent, with many institutions reforming their academic structures to better align with market demands [3][5] - The establishment of new colleges and programs focused on artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary studies is becoming a trend among leading universities, such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Peking University [3][4] Group 2: Program Adjustments and Trends - Since the implementation of the reform plan, 3,229 new undergraduate programs have been established, while 2,534 programs have been discontinued, with engineering disciplines seeing the most significant changes [5][9] - The most added engineering programs include those related to artificial intelligence, smart construction, and renewable energy, reflecting a shift towards emerging technologies [9][10] - The focus on practical and innovative teaching methods, such as project-based learning and industry collaboration, is being emphasized to enhance students' problem-solving skills and engineering thinking [4][12]