Forum urges universities to evolve

Experts say increased technology means institutions need to adapt to a more comprehensive style, Chen Meiling reports.

The internet and new technology mean that universities have to evolve in disciplinary reform and teaching methods to confront opportunities and challenges, according to a recent forum held at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing.

Higher education is the prime driving force for technological and innovative development, the major source for talent and an important element to evaluate the development and future potential of a country, said He Xiuchao, Party chief of the Central University of Finance and Economics, at the forum on Oct 18.

China's share in the global economy has increased many times over the past decades-from only 1.8 percent at the start of the reform and opening-up in 1978, to 15.2 percent today as China has become the world's second-largest economy.

Higher education played a major role in the process, according to He.