China advances industry-focused education with new AI teaching model

Shandong University of Science and Technology is successfully implementing a new Digital Intelligence and Industry-Education Integration model for talent development. According to Science and Technology Daily, a TV BRICS partner, the core of the new model lies in reorienting the educational process towards the practical needs of industry. The university utilises large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) language models and specialised knowledge graphs, adhering to the principle that "what is taught is determined by industry", to translate labour market demands into relevant curriculum design.

In 2024, the university took the lead in establishing the nation’s first knowledge graph platform for the safety engineering discipline, which integrates 10 core courses and 1,079 key knowledge points.

This AI platform aggregates talent demand data from over 120 mining, chemical and emergency response enterprises to construct a "competency indicator database" for safety roles. Students can clearly see which disciplines correspond to which roles, whilst lecturers can adjust course content in a timely manner.

The new educational model places great emphasis on practical training. The educational AI agents developed can simulate 37 types of emergency scenarios (such as methane explosions and water inrushes), allowing students to practise response measures in real time. Senior students also undertake work placements at enterprises, mines and workshops to address accident prevention issues.

As Zhou Gang, Head of the College of Safety and Environmental Engineering at Shandong University of Science and Technology, emphasised, the professionals trained under this new model are not only capable of carrying out safety assurance work but can also effectively utilise digital tools to solve complex engineering problems in real-world environments.