Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Education issued a notification on September 19 regarding the management of school uniforms, aiming to enhance the quality and service level of school uniforms through a democratic, fair, transparent, and compliant management system [1][2]. Group 1: School's Role and Governance - The notification emphasizes the school's primary role in the procurement process, requiring schools to organize and manage the selection of uniforms with significant involvement from parents and students [2][3]. - It mandates that the representation of parents and students in decision-making must not be less than 80%, thus restructuring the management authority and ensuring that schools are not merely passive executors of administrative orders [2][4]. Group 2: Transparency and Participation - The notification integrates principles of democracy and transparency throughout the procurement process, ensuring that parents and students have a say in the style and pricing of uniforms [4][6]. - It addresses existing issues such as quality discrepancies and potential corruption in the procurement process, advocating for a transparent system to protect the rights of students and parents [4][7]. Group 3: Fair Competition and Local Protection - The notification includes strict regulations against local protectionism and quality risks, prohibiting discriminatory practices that favor local enterprises in the procurement process [7][8]. - The introduction of the Fair Competition Review Regulation in 2024 is expected to enhance market fairness and invigorate the school uniform industry by curbing local protection and relationship-based marketing [7][8]. Group 4: Sustainable Procurement Practices - The notification proposes a three-year procurement cycle to reduce decision-making costs for schools and suppliers, allowing for a stable and consistent school uniform design that reflects the school's culture [8][9]. - This approach aims to minimize waste and ensure that school uniforms serve as a cultural symbol, thereby enhancing the educational environment [8][9]. Group 5: Implementation and Governance - The notification's guidelines are seen as a microcosm of educational governance, emphasizing the need for effective implementation to avoid policy stagnation [9][10]. - The success of these measures will depend on the ability to translate knowledge into action, ensuring that the principles of democratic decision-making and transparency are effectively practiced [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of research and public consultation in formulating long-term development strategies, highlighting Xi Jinping's approach in developing the "3820" strategy for Fuzhou and its implications for future planning [4][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1992, Xi Jinping led the development of the "3820" strategy for Fuzhou, involving extensive research and public input [4]. - Over 1,600 officials conducted research on 581 topics, resulting in 367 reports to inform the strategy [4][6]. - The strategy was shaped by numerous consultations with experts and citizens, including a significant public survey that garnered nearly 30,000 responses [5][6]. Group 2: Impact of the "3820" Strategy - The implementation of the "3820" strategy over 20 years marked a period of rapid growth in Fuzhou's overall strength, urban transformation, and public benefits [7]. - The strategy's success is attributed to collective wisdom and thorough research, which are seen as foundational to effective governance [6][11]. Group 3: Current and Future Planning - The article discusses the ongoing relevance of research and public engagement in the context of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and the upcoming "15th Five-Year Plan" [8][10]. - Xi Jinping's emphasis on integrating top-level design with public input is highlighted as a key principle for future planning [10][11].