China Country Report: Conclusions
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Healthy, dynamic educational systems evolve around developments in employment, society and economy. The stakeholders we consulted in China were vocal on how education within their country should change to reflect the prevailing economic and employment situation. The conclusions in this section reflect some of the key issues and challenges facing China today.
Demographics
The growth of China's economy is creating an unprecedented demand for skilled workers, which means the challenges facing education and industry are vast. Economic growth has not yet been stifled by an education system that may need some modernisation.
Education Provision
China is attracting record levels of foreign investment, and global corporations are bringing their own educational programmes and staff into the country. However, there must be long-term investment and a clear skills development strategy for the country to maintain its economic profile, as well as ensuring the economy can diversify on the basis of native talent - a stated objective of President Hu Jintao.
A significant part of this strategy should be focused on teaching and learning approaches so they gain a much greater practical relevance. Beyond this, there needs to be greater emphasis on developing and implementing robust approaches for defining skills needs and professional education programmes. This must focus on a number of key objectives - primarily, the relationship between government, education and industry.
There are operational models adopted in other countries. Brazil and South Africa both have mechanisms to facilitate this interaction. And, while these approaches could perhaps be improved, they do represent grounded, long-term commitments to dialogue and a collective responsibility on workforce development. This interaction would help in articulating the need and developing relevant curricula in China. It would also improve the correlation between supply and demand, and may help businesses develop better methods for recruitment.
Professional Education
The quality and status of professional education programmes need to be enhanced. The market is crowded and fragmented, and there are no leading brands currently delivering high-quality professional education courses. There needs to be a better quality assessment of qualifications and providers for quality standards to rise and to help businesses place a value on the range of qualifications being delivered.
By raising standards and committing to a strategic plan, professional education can become the basis for an even greater economic miracle.
