The Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education held a press conference on Sept 2 to explain its new Implementation Plan for Adjusting and Optimizing university Disciplines and Majors in Jiangsu.

The plan outlines four key actions: accelerated development of urgently needed disciplines, differentiated growth initiatives, updated talent cultivation models, and deepened reforms in governance mechanisms.

As one of China's leading provinces in both economy and education, Jiangsu ranks high nationwide in the number of universities, research resources, and industrial scale. With the province developing a modern industrial system, emerging and key industries are driving a growing demand for highly skilled talent.

Under the plan, Jiangsu will launch a program to strengthen emerging and interdisciplinary disciplines by breaking down academic barriers and fostering new organizational models, creating an ecosystem for innovative growth.

Another initiative will focus on cultural heritage disciplines, supporting the integration of traditional Chinese culture with other fields, and giving priority to niche but important areas such as paleography and bamboo-slip studies.

The plan sets clear goals: by 2027, over 85 percent of newly established disciplines and majors will be categorized as national or provincial priorities. By 2030, the overall structure of disciplines and majors will be fully optimized, providing strong support for Jiangsu's ambitions to build itself into a powerhouse in education, science, technology, and talent.