Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical role of education systems in driving industrial revolutions and technological advancements, particularly in the context of China's manufacturing success and the ongoing AI era [4][5]. Group 1: Historical Context of Education and Industrial Revolutions - The British Industrial Revolution was closely linked to its unique apprenticeship system, which produced skilled craftsmen like Watt and Wilkinson, who significantly contributed to technological advancements [9][11]. - The limitations of the apprenticeship system became apparent as the demand for skilled labor surged, leading to alternative training methods like Sunday schools to quickly train technicians [13]. - The German Humboldt education reform in the early 19th century established a modern research university model, integrating theory and practice, which laid the foundation for Germany's industrial strength [14][17][19]. Group 2: Education Systems and Economic Growth - The U.S. adopted the German model post-Civil War, leading to the establishment of land-grant colleges and a tiered education system that catered to both elite and mass education needs [21][23]. - The expansion of U.S. universities post-World War II, particularly through the G.I. Bill, significantly increased access to higher education and contributed to the country's economic prosperity [24][26]. Group 3: China's Education System and Engineering Talent - China's education system has drawn from the German Humboldt model, resulting in a layered education structure that emphasizes STEM fields, particularly after the 1999 university expansion [28][29]. - The number of engineering graduates in China now exceeds that of the U.S. by more than tenfold, creating a substantial engineering talent pool that supports high-tech manufacturing [30][31]. - The Chinese education system, combined with a fair college entrance examination process, facilitates upward mobility for students from various backgrounds, contributing to a robust engineering workforce [33]. Group 4: Technology Diffusion and Competitive Advantage - The diffusion of General Purpose Technologies (GPT) is identified as a key driver of economic competition, with historical examples illustrating how technology leaders can be surpassed by latecomers [35][36]. - China's ability to integrate education with large-scale manufacturing, particularly in electronics and automotive sectors, positions it favorably in the global technology landscape [36]. Group 5: Future Education Needs in the AI Era - The article discusses the need for an education system that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills in the AI era, moving away from rote memorization and compliance with authority [39][40]. - The potential for a small percentage of exceptional individuals to drive significant productivity gains in the future highlights the importance of nurturing talent within the education system [41].

最近我读了很多和几次工业革命相关的书籍，包括《钢铁、蒸汽与资本：工业革命的起源》《他们创造 了美国》《Technology and the rise of great powers》，《科学的历程》，你会发现，产业革命之所以发 生，背后本质都是教育体系的革命在支撑。 又是一年高考时，中国在制造业上取得的巨大成就，和中国的高考制度，有密不可分的关系，尤其是工 科类专业，是高考制度和这个时代最大的红利受益者。 学徒制度与英国工业革命 英国的工业革命，和英国独特的学徒制度密不可分。 瓦特最早在伦敦一家修理铺里当学徒，他的师傅被认为是整个伦敦手艺最精湛的五六个老师傅之一，他 在那里每天跟着师傅制造、修理罗盘、经纬仪、两脚规、四分仪等精密仪器，因此回到格拉斯哥后的瓦 特凭着学来的手艺找到了格拉斯哥大学里一份为学校修理教学仪器的工作，也正是如此他才有机会日后 帮学校修理一台老式的纽可门蒸汽机，才有了后来改良蒸汽机，推动工业革命的佳话。 英国第一代钢铁大王和军火大王约翰-威尔金森，也是学徒出身，他的父亲有一个小型的铸铁厂，因此 他从小就在厂里跟着老师傅当学徒，他靠着自己在一线长期的技术钻研，成功发明了镗床，从而帮助瓦 特解 ...