Source: Global Times
Article from The Indian Express website on March 11, titled "Observing the Rise of Neighbors: Why China Leads Far Ahead in Higher Education" — It is not possible to fully understand China's competitive advantage over India by looking only at trade deficits, industrial policies, or manufacturing capabilities — the differences in the education systems of the two countries are equally crucial, with the role of higher education institutions being particularly significant.
China has risen as a global manufacturing center, a research and development hub, and an innovation leader. External interpretations often underestimate the role of education in this rise. In fact, China has continuously ensured investment in education, skill training, and applied research, which are key enablers for technological upgrades and the deep integration of industries. By contrast, India's education spending lags far behind that of China.
Many Chinese universities have directly benefited from resource investments. They regularly upgrade laboratories and libraries, subscribe to the latest journals, increase research funding and incubators, creating an environment that encourages faculty development and research, strengthening talent cultivation and innovation capabilities. High-quality academic publications and patent achievements play an important role in promoting China's innovation. Within just 20 years, Chinese universities have rapidly climbed the ranks in global university rankings.
The current state of India's public universities forms a sharp and alarming contrast: lack of resources and the fatigue caused by dealing with infrastructure and administrative constraints affect the innovation and creativity of Indian universities, leading to a lack of motivation to participate in national industry and technology strategies. The gap in innovation capacity between India and China is significant.
China has clearly defined the role of higher education in innovation-driven development, driving universities to make breakthroughs in key areas, such as promoting the integration of science and technology with education and driving the digital transformation of Chinese universities. Although India has issued multiple reports and strategic documents, universities have yet to achieve a true integration of industry, academia, and research.
The fundamental difference between India and China's higher education lies in the latter's better unity and coordination, which determines the alignment of higher education institution activities with national strategies. Chinese universities develop medium- to long-term development plans and ensure implementation through curriculum adjustments and teaching evaluations. By contrast, Indian universities lack a sense of competition, placing greater emphasis on processes than on actual outcomes. Assessments are often based on compliance rather than innovation or breakthroughs.
Additionally, Indian higher education institutions are far behind their Chinese counterparts in terms of internationalization — including global reputation, attracting foreign scientists and faculty, and active talent exchange programs.
The rise of Chinese universities coincides with a critical period when China is narrowing the gap with the West in terms of talent. China has incorporated education investment into its national development plan, regularly adjusting the goals of higher education to align with the country's key areas of focus. Although India has proposed visions such as "Self-reliant India" and "Developed India," Indian universities have not received the necessary priority. (Author: Aravind Yellari, translated by Liu Xincheng)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7616872599011836456/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.