Issues and optimization pathways in the evolution of China’s higher education AI policies
Journal: Region - Educational Research and Reviews DOI: 10.32629/rerr.v8i2.5092
Abstract
Artificial intelligence technology is profoundly transforming the systems of talent cultivation, discipline development, and scientific research innovation in higher education. This study analyzes national policy documents issued between 2000 and 2025 and, grounded in policy instrument theory, explores their evolutionary trajectory. It finds that policies have undergone four stages: technology introduction, discipline development, system construction, and deep integration. The focus has shifted from technology application to ecosystem building; however, issues such as homogenization of disciplinary layout, ineffective industry-education collaboration, lagging faculty development, and the absence of ethical guidelines persist. The study proposes optimization pathways across four dimensions—categorical guidance, deepened collaboration, capacity building, and governance improvement—to provide theoretical and practical support for the deep integration of the two domains.
Keywords
artificial intelligence; higher education policy; policy instruments; talent development; industry-education integration
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[2] Teng F, Sun Y. The evolution, issues, and recommendations of China's AI education policies: an analysis based on policy texts from 2000 to 2025[J]. Educational Science Research, 2025(6): 52–58.
[3] Dwivedi Y K, Hughes L, Ismagilova E, et al. Artificial intelligence (AI): multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges, opportunities, and agenda for research, practice, and policy[J]. International Journal of Information Management, 2019(57): 101994.
[4] Sun P, Jiang Y. A decade of review and reflection on China's smart education policies[J]. Modern Educational Technology, 2022, 32(12): 68–75.
[5] Yu H. Reflections on whether ChatGPT should be banned in academia from the perspective of education and teaching[J]. Frontiers in Psychology, 2023(14): 1181712.
[6] Li M M, Wu W M. Text analysis of smart education policies from a policy instrument perspective[J]. Software Guide, 2023, 22(1): 79-87.
[7] Liu Y X. China's explorations and development prospects for artificial intelligence education across all educational stages and general education for the entire society[J]. Research on Lifelong Education, 2025(5): 35-42.
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