Summary

Earlier in March 2020, China’s Ministry of Education released its latest list of approved bachelor’s degree programmes at the country’s universities for the upcoming academic year. Artificial intelligence was again the fastest-growing subject, with 180 different institutions adding new programmes in this field.

The next five subjects by newly-added programmes are also closely related to AI. 138 universities added courses in data science & big data; 80 will start teaching degrees in smart manufacturing; 62 will launch programmes in robotics engineering; 52 will offer new courses in big data management; and 36 new programmes will be opened in intelligence science & technology. Other growing fields include networks & new media, health service management, and digital media arts.

Overall, a total of 1,672 new degree programmes will be added from September 2020 – around 1.3 per university on average – while 367 programmes have been cancelled.

Another recent development related to China's AI sector is the Ministry of Science and Technology's designation of four cities - Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Jinan - as locations to create "national next-generation artificial intelligence innovation development test zones". These zones will "explore new paths to promote the integration of artificial intelligence and economic and social development", construct infrastructure to support AI development, and be encouraged to experiment with new policies and methods of governance to create a better environment for China's AI sector.

Each of the four zones will have a slightly different focus. The announcement says that Chongqing should develop technologies related to smart manufacturing and smart cities; Chengdu's AI development should include intelligent air traffic management, inclusive finance, and smart medical care; Xi'an should create solutions in advanced manufacturing, cultural and creative tourism, commerce and logistics as well as supporting the Belt and Road initiative; and Jinan's AI applications should cover manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation.

Analysis by Kevin Prest, Senior Analyst, British Council International Education Services

The launch of new programmes in AI-related fields continues a trend seen over the last two years. The Ministry of Education strongly encourages universities to expand their capacities in AI and data science to support the country’s broader aim to lead the world in artificial intelligence by 2030.

Growth in AI across China’s universities will mean more partnership opportunities for UK institutions, particularly in the second-tier cities where MoST has called for AI pilot zones. Increasing international cooperation and joint research in this field is an important element of China’s AI strategy so there may be potential for government support.

Source

1. Ministry of Education – Bachelor's degree programme approvals at regular higher education institutions in 2019 (in Chinese): http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A08/s7056/202003/t20200303_426853.html

2. Ruanke – Ministry of Science and Technology approves four more national AI test areas (in Chinese): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzAwMDExNDgxNQ==&mid=2649811393&idx=2&sn=9e2826694a1542ee8f21dcf53d3b5429