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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic these days, yet the field remains shrouded in mystery for many. What exactly is artificial intelligence? Experts have yet to provide a definitive definition due to the broad nature of the concept. On Baidu Encyclopedia, AI is typically described as a branch of computer science focused on understanding intelligence and creating machines that can mimic human cognition. Areas of study include natural language processing, machine learning, neural networks, pattern recognition, intelligent search, and more. Applications range from machine translation and language/image comprehension to automated programming and expert systems.
This overview reveals that AI is a vast field encompassing both theoretical exploration and technological advancement. As its applications expand, so does its scope. Some experts even argue that AI bridges social and natural sciences, involving disciplines like mathematics, psychology, neurophysiology, information theory, computer science, philosophy, cognitive science, uncertainty theory, and cybernetics.
Although AI is complex and requires a solid foundation, many Chinese universities have been actively engaged in AI research for decades, even if few undergraduates specialize in it. Despite this, several prestigious institutions in China, known as the C9 League (including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudong University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, University of Science and Technology of China, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Xi'an Jiaotong University), have made significant progress in AI research.
For instance, in 1978, Professor He Zhijun from Zhejiang University established a computer science program and positioned AI as a key research direction. His work laid the groundwork for Zhejiang University's AI efforts, training notable figures like Pan Yunhe and Wu Zhaohui, who later became university presidents. Academician Pan Yunhe is currently leading the work of the National Expert Committee on the Next Generation AI (AI 2.0).
The Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence collaborated with 20 institutions and 42 universities, including Peking University and Zhejiang University, to produce a disciplinary report titled "Smart Science and Technology." As of now, 36 universities have received formal approval from the Ministry of Education to establish undergraduate programs in "Intelligent Science and Technology," while 79 related specialties exist in the postgraduate directory.
The urgent need for talent has accelerated the push for AI to become a first-level discipline in China. Wu Fei, Deputy Dean of Zhejiang University's School of Computer Science and Director of its AI Institute, noted in an interview that AI is currently a research direction within computer science. Due to its integration with informatics, majors like computer science and technology, control science, software engineering, and statistics are closely tied to AI. Some universities have introduced majors in data science, directly linking them to AI applications.
However, AI disciplines and related technologies are not yet a first-level subject in China. Yang Fangchun, Executive Deputy Director of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence and Professor at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, highlighted in an interview that because AI isn't a first-level discipline, related teaching and research activities are scattered across multiple disciplines. This leads to a lack of focused curriculum and limited time allocation, resulting in fragmented and low-quality development that hinders China's progress in intelligent technology and talent cultivation.
In July, the State Council released the "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan," emphasizing the importance of building AI disciplines. The plan encourages universities to integrate AI into existing curricula, creating hybrid majors like "AI+X," and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with fields like mathematics, computer science, physics, biology, psychology, sociology, and law. It also promotes industry-university-research cooperation.
This policy has prompted universities worldwide to establish AI colleges. Recently, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the creation of an AI Technical College, marking the first institution dedicated to AI teaching and research.
China faces a severe shortage of AI talent, with an annual demand gap nearing 1 million professionals. Wu Fei believes AI's versatility allows it to combine with fields like robotics, economics, and medicine, creating innovative applications. Currently, most AI recruitment happens at the graduate level.
According to the "Global Artificial Intelligence Development Report" by NetEase Technology and Wuzhen Think Tank in 2016, the top ten Chinese AI universities include Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, Fudan University, Nanjing University, Southeast University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Globally, MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, and others lead the way, while U.S. tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon have also established AI research centers.
Despite the gap in academic rankings, China's AI research has grown rapidly in recent years. Patent applications and authorizations exceed those of the U.S. Salaries for AI professionals are high, with starting salaries for AI Ph.D.s reaching up to 300,000 yuan.
To address this, 32 Chinese universities offer AI-related majors. Follow NetEase Smart's official account (smartman163) for the latest AI industry reports.