On October 15, during the 2024 International Forum on Higher Education, we had the opportunity to speak with Yan Chunhua, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former president of Lanzhou University. He shared his insights on the cultivation of top innovative talents, a pressing issue as we navigate the rapid evolution of technology and industry.
**Interviewer:** Could you explain what exactly is meant by “top innovative talent”?
**Yan Chunhua:** Many people might envision top innovative talent as candidates from popular programs or those molded by strict, one-size-fits-all standards. However, top innovative talent is not confined to a specific type or standard; it encompasses individuals with diverse characteristics and skills. Each person has their unique strengths. For example, some excel in logical thinking, others in spatial reasoning or language skills. Expecting a single individual to embody every virtue is unrealistic.
**Interviewer:** How should universities adapt to foster such diverse talents?
**Yan Chunhua:** This calls for a rethinking of our educational approach. We need to create a diverse educational framework and a multifaceted evaluation system that considers students’ abilities, strengths, aspirations, and the needs of the nation and industry. It’s important to use problems and needs as driving forces to identify the knowledge and practical skills students need.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the restructuring of teaching content and methods. Could you elaborate?
**Yan Chunhua:** It’s not about completely discarding existing methods or knowledge but rather about gradually incorporating the latest, most relevant, and inspiring knowledge into the curriculum. Teaching must evolve continuously to remain effective.
**Interviewer:** What do you believe the future holds for higher education institutions?
**Yan Chunhua:** Universities are not just breeding grounds for talent; they are also hubs for scientific and technological innovation, particularly in basic research. Many universities are currently overwhelmed because they aim to become research-focused institutions without addressing some crucial aspects. They must first serve as centers for knowledge transfer and creation and align educational offerings with the evolving demands of students and society.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a daunting task. How do you see this evolving globally?
**Yan Chunhua:** No university has completed this transformation yet; all are still exploring it. The ones that can lead the way in this transformation will undoubtedly emerge as top institutions. Future universities will feature distinct characteristics and will not be homogenous.
**Interviewer:** With the rise of artificial intelligence, what challenges do you foresee, and how can universities prepare students for this?
**Yan Chunhua:** The impact of artificial intelligence will affect all disciplines—humanities, sciences, engineering, agriculture, and medicine. This impact is unavoidable. We need to be proactive in adapting and mastering AI. The best way to harness its potential is through understanding and learning. Our challenge is to prepare students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
**Interviewer:** What about the concern regarding AI and job displacement?
**Yan Chunhua:** The answer lies in identifying jobs that are highly repetitive and mechanical. While there may be less demand for such positions, that doesn’t mean humans will become obsolete. People are still essential for creating rules and frameworks. There’s no need to panic about technological advancements like drones replacing delivery or online shopping eliminating brick-and-mortar stores.
**Interviewer:** So how do you see the role of education shifting in this context?
**Yan Chunhua:** The difference between secondary education and university lies in the depth of understanding. In basic education, students learn to know the facts, but in university, they must understand the reasons behind them. Nowadays, universities must not only teach the reasons but also prepare students to foresee future trends.
As he summed up in our discussion, universities today carry the responsibility of equipping students not just with knowledge but with the foresight to navigate an uncertain future.
