Henan, home to 178 higher education institutions, has prioritized the development of its tertiary education sector. The 2024 undergraduate program filing and approval results released by China's Ministry of Education reveal that 47 Henan universities have added 146 new programs. This demonstrates how dynamic discipline adjustments are addressing talent gaps in society, showcasing both the province's developmental momentum and sense of responsibility in the new era.

These future-oriented disciplines are meticulously aligned with emerging technological trends and employment demands. Key programs include Intelligent Construction and Smart Transportation at Henan University, Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering and Smart Grid Information Engineering at Henan University of Engineering, Intelligent Perception Engineering at Henan Institute of Technology, and Artificial Intelligence at Zhengzhou Normal University. Collectively, they target AI-driven industrial transformation, cultivating specialized talent for technological advancement.

The realignment further addresses national strategic priorities and regional development needs. Among Henan Universities, Henan Institute of Science and Technology’s new Facility Agricultural Science and Engineering program, alongside Smart Agriculture disciplines launched at multiple institutions, directly supports Henan’s transition from an agricultural powerhouse to a modernized leader. Simultaneously, programs like Elderly Care Services Management, Health Services Management, Sports Wellness, and Rehabilitation Therapy respond to the rapidly expanding "silver economy" (aging-related industries), underscoring universities’ commitment to social welfare.

A prime example of industry-academia integration emerges from Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics, which introduced four aviation-focused disciplines: Aircraft Operation and Maintenance Engineering, Aircraft Manufacturing Engineering, Data Computing and Application, and Detection, Guidance and Control Technology. Leveraging regional aviation industry resources, these programs exemplify Henan Universities’ model for cultivating versatile, innovative talent through enterprise-education collaboration.

This systematic discipline optimization reflects Henan universities’ core commitment to talent-centered development. By proactively aligning academic structures with societal needs, they reinforce institutional foundations while injecting sustained momentum into regional socioeconomic progress—charting a trajectory of dynamic growth and educational excellence.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao