(Source: Zhejiang University International and Comparative Education Research Center official account, March 31, 2025)

At the beginning of 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the report "The Role of Higher Education in National Artificial Intelligence Strategies: A Comparative Policy Review". The data comes from the "OECD Artificial Intelligence Policy Observatory" (OECD.AI observatory), which includes the artificial intelligence strategies of 56 countries, including China, the United States, India, Japan and the European Union. Through comparative analysis, the report summarizes the role of higher education in the national artificial intelligence strategy, factors affecting the role of higher education, and promotion countermeasures.

1. The role of higher education in the national artificial intelligence strategy

First, promote the development of artificial intelligence-related skills. As an important tool of the national artificial intelligence strategy, universities are responsible for artificial intelligence education, workforce development and lifelong training. Universities equip students with basic AI skills by developing and offering professional courses that are consistent with the needs of an AI-driven economy and collaborating with industry experts.

Second, breakthrough innovation in the cutting-edge field of artificial intelligence. The national artificial intelligence strategy requires and continues to invest in universities to carry out cutting-edge innovations related to artificial intelligence and promote the expansion of the boundaries of artificial intelligence technology.

Third, strengthen the ethical and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy integrates ethical considerations into education systems and professional training to ensure universities play a key role in responsible AI practices.

2. Factors affecting the role of higher education

First, the problem of resource allocation. Many national AI strategies do not provide adequate budgets for universities. Inadequate funding severely limits the ability of universities to advance education, research and infrastructure development, thereby weakening the role of universities in promoting national AI strategies.

Second, the issue of curriculum adaptation. The rapid development of artificial intelligence requires universities to update course content in a timely manner. However, many national artificial intelligence strategies have ignored this issue, resulting in a disconnect between education and social needs.

Third, the issue of ethical integration. The lack of consistent integration of AI research and applications into higher education’s ethical and regulatory frameworks weakens the governance foundation of national AI strategies.

Fourth, monitoring and evaluation issues. The existing national artificial intelligence strategy lacks clear indicators and a strong monitoring mechanism, which hinders the monitoring, early warning and adjustment of higher education in promoting the development of artificial intelligence.

3. Countermeasures for higher education to promote the national artificial intelligence strategy

First, interdisciplinary cultivation of artificial intelligence skills. Integrate AI skills into all academic areas and for all students to promote diverse innovation in the field of AI. Universities should also develop partnerships with industry leaders so that courses reflect the realities of AI applications.

Second, establish artificial intelligence research centers and partnerships. Establish dedicated AI research centers to drive innovation and knowledge transfer. Promote cooperation between public universities and private enterprises, enable students to gain valuable practical industry experience, and cultivate students' overall understanding of the application of artificial intelligence within the framework of ethics, law, and social life.

Third, promote ethics-based AI governance. Leverage the University’s expertise and influence to advance global AI governance through research, advocacy and policy advocacy.

Fourth, increase the participation of universities in the national artificial intelligence strategy. Universities should give full play to their professionalism and leadership and actively participate in the formulation of national artificial intelligence strategies to ensure that the strategies are scientific, adaptable, and consistent with ethical and social needs.

Source: [1] UNESCO. The role of higher education in national artificial intelligence strategies: a comparative policy review [R/OL]. [2025-03-23]. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392047_eng?posInSet=19&queryId=d5df3d9f-b07a-4851-ace7-2a3e2982b744.