Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for reform in engineering education to align with the demands of the modern industrial landscape, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary knowledge integration [2][3]. Group 1: Current Challenges in Engineering Education - Over 80% of academic disciplines in Chinese universities are products of the first three industrial revolutions, leading to issues such as demand mismatch, outdated content, and insufficient capabilities [2]. - Traditional engineering education focuses too much on specialization, resulting in narrow knowledge bases and inadequate humanistic and innovative skills, which are essential in the AI era [2]. - The fragmentation of knowledge due to overly detailed specialization dilutes educational resources and weakens knowledge integration [3]. Group 2: Reform Initiatives in Engineering Education - Various universities are reforming their engineering talent cultivation models by enhancing new engineering layouts and breaking traditional academic structures [3][6]. - Shanghai Jiao Tong University has established four new colleges focused on electrical engineering, automation, computer science, and information engineering to support AI-driven technological revolutions [7]. - Peking University has restructured its departments to focus on cutting-edge fields like integrated circuits and intelligent technologies, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration [7]. Group 3: Curriculum Design Based on Industry Needs - Courses like "Engineering Finite Element and Numerical Calculation" are being adjusted to meet actual industry demands, emphasizing practical innovation capabilities [8]. - The integration of real-world engineering problems into the curriculum is crucial for developing students' engineering thinking and practical skills [8]. - Stanford University emphasizes the importance of AI and machine learning across all engineering disciplines, requiring students to complete a significant number of math and science credits [8]. Group 4: Professional Adjustments in Engineering Disciplines - The Ministry of Education's reform plan aims to optimize and adjust 20% of academic programs by 2025, leading to a wave of changes in undergraduate programs [10][16]. - Since the reform plan was announced, 3,229 new undergraduate programs have been established, while 2,534 have been discontinued, with engineering disciplines seeing the most significant adjustments [11]. - The engineering field has added 1,395 new programs, primarily in computer science, electronic information, and mechanical engineering, while also seeing a high number of program discontinuations [14]. Group 5: Future Directions for Professional Optimization - The focus of professional adjustment should start from engineering disciplines, addressing common pain points and promoting systemic knowledge integration [15]. - Future professional adjustments will emphasize the construction of new engineering, medical, agricultural, and liberal arts disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration [16]. - The government aims to enhance the responsiveness of professional settings to high-quality development needs, ensuring alignment with national strategies and market demands [17].

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]

Core Insights - The adjustment of engineering majors in China has been significant, with 1,395 new majors added and 823 majors removed in the past two years [7][5] - The current industrial demand for engineering talent has shifted from a "large and comprehensive" approach to a more specialized focus, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary and innovative talent in the era of artificial intelligence [1][2] Group 1: Engineering Major Adjustments - The Ministry of Education and other departments have initiated a reform plan aiming to optimize and adjust 20% of higher education majors by 2025, leading to a wave of adjustments in undergraduate programs [5][10] - The majority of new engineering majors focus on fields such as computer science, electronic information, and mechanical engineering, with a notable increase in majors related to artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing [7][9] Group 2: Educational Reform and Talent Development - There is a consensus among educational institutions, government, and industry to collaborate in cultivating engineering talent, with many universities reforming their academic structures to better align with market demands [3][4] - Notable universities like Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Peking University have restructured their departments to focus on cutting-edge fields such as integrated circuits and intelligent technologies, enhancing interdisciplinary integration [3][4] Group 3: Curriculum Design Based on Industry Needs - Courses are being designed to align with actual industry demands, such as the course "Engineering Finite Element and Numerical Calculation," which integrates practical engineering problems into the curriculum [4] - The emphasis is on developing students' practical innovation capabilities, with educational resources being built around real-world engineering challenges [4][9] Group 4: Future Directions and Strategic Focus - The focus of future professional adjustments will be on integrating new engineering, medical, agricultural, and liberal arts disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration [10] - The government aims to enhance the responsiveness of higher education to national strategies, market needs, and technological advancements, ensuring that talent cultivation aligns with economic and social development [10]