Lin Shangli: The "Greatness" of Universities Lies in Meeting the "Great Challenges" of the New Era

In an era of rapid development in artificial intelligence and technological innovation, Lin Shangli, NPC deputy and President of Renmin University of China, explored the core concepts and practical approaches for future talent development, as well as the challenges in higher education, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

When discussing the core principles for cultivating talent suited to new quality productive forces, Lin highlighted four key elements. The first is fostering virtue. In the face of robotics and AI advancements, human subjectivity becomes even more crucial. Therefore, it is essential to enhance students’ overall competencies, help them develop well-rounded personalities, and empower them as true innovators. The second element is deep learning. In an era where AI deeply enhances education, students must engage in profound learning to grasp the fundamental concepts and theories behind knowledge, understand the deeper wisdom of humanity, and carve out innovative pathways within the vast ocean of information. Only by doing so can they maintain the essence of human intelligence and inner strength in the face of powerful AI. The third element is professional practice. Even with the presence of AI and robotics, professional expertise remains a unique advantage for practitioners when engaging with general-purpose technologies. Continuous knowledge renewal will further amplify this advantage. The fourth element is open innovation. Beyond possessing professional skills, students must be able to break through disciplinary boundaries, integrate and disrupt knowledge, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to inject fresh vitality into societal progress.

“These four key elements will be fundamental issues that universities must address in the future,” Lin stated. “They call for a systematic and comprehensive reform of university education, from talent cultivation philosophies to curriculum design and training processes.”

Focusing on how to break disciplinary barriers, promote interdisciplinary integration, and nurture students’ innovative capabilities, Lin shared three suggestions based on Renmin University’s practical experiences.

First is high-density learning, where students engage in structured, intensive learning and rigorous training to rapidly master core knowledge and build a solid foundation in a short period. Second, universities should shift from a teaching-centered to a learning-centered approach, fostering students’ enthusiasm for independent, interactive, and innovative learning. Encouraging students to conduct self-directed research allows them to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge and discover sources of innovation. Third, education must be practice-oriented. Whether in science, engineering, humanities, or social sciences, students should be encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, developing systematic solutions that range from concepts and institutions to policies—tasks that machines cannot accomplish due to their inherent limitations.

Lin emphasized that future universities should create a new educational ecosystem that empowers students to become well-rounded, innovative, and practice-oriented talents who keep pace with cutting-edge developments. Universities must nurture scholarly innovators, demonstrating the true responsibility of higher education.

Artificial intelligence and technological innovation are significantly transforming education. The era where a professor could rely on the same lecture notes for a lifetime is long gone. Lin sees this change as an inevitable part of societal progress and a rare opportunity. He urged educators to embrace these changes with a positive mindset, leveraging technological advancements to drive interdisciplinary integration, foster academic innovation, and open new chapters in high-level talent cultivation. “Educators should shift their perspective, recognizing students as innovators and active learners. By supporting their intrinsic motivation and fostering a sense of achievement in innovation, both teachers and students can learn and grow together. At the same time, teachers must continually explore the inner logic of knowledge, engage in lifelong learning, and enhance their own competencies”.

Addressing the role of government, enterprises, and social organizations in talent cultivation, Lin cited Renmin University’s initiative of “local issues, university solutions” as an example. He emphasized that the key to successful collaboration lies in a synergistic framework: the government provides a platform for practical engagement, enterprises pose real-world challenges, and universities actively participate in problem-solving as equal partners, forming a mutually beneficial closed-loop system.

 (Translated by ZHANG Yuqing; Proofread by YANG Fanxin)