Existing Challenges and Optimization Strategies for Cultivating Innovative Talents in Engineering Universities under the Background of Building a Powerful Country in Education

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jhet.202515141

Author(s)

Zeyang Huang1, Zhongshu Fang2,*, Qichun Wang3, Zhongye Si1

Affiliation(s)

1Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Center, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China 2Department of Chinese Language and Literature, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China 3Office of Organizational Structure and Staffing Committee, Pidu District Committee, Chengdu, Sichuan, China *Corresponding Author.

Abstract

The construction of a powerful country in education poses an era requirement for engineering universities to cultivate top-notch talents with innovative spirits and practical abilities, professionals adaptable to national strategic needs and emerging field developments, composite talents with international competitiveness and global visions, and well-rounded builders and successors with comprehensive moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor qualities. However, the cultivation of innovative talents in universities still faces existing challenges such as rigid teaching modes, lagging disciplinary settings, unitary evaluation systems, and weak faculty strength. To address these issues, optimization and enhancement can be achieved through five aspects: promoting the deep integration of moral and political education with innovative education, deepening the reform of teaching modes to enhance the practicality of innovative education, optimizing disciplinary settings to closely align with industrial needs and developments, constructing an integrated evaluation index system for student innovation capabilities, and strengthening the construction of the faculty to improve teachers' innovative qualities. This provides theoretical references and practical guidance for cultivating innovative talents in engineering universities.

Keywords

Education Powerhouse; Innovative Talents in Universities; Existing Challenges; Optimization Strategies

References

[1] Securing a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Striving for the Great Success of Chinese Characteristics for a New Era - Report to the 19th National Congress of Chinese political parties. Party Building, 2017, (11): 15-34. [2] On Self-Reliance in Science and Technology. Beijing: Central Literature Publishing House, 2023. [3] K. Capital. Beijing: People's Publishing House, 2018. [4] The Central Committee of Chinese political parties and the State Council. "Outline of the Plan for Building an Education Power (2024-2035)", January 19, 2025. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202501/content_6999913.htm [5] Speech at the 17th General Assembly of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the 12th General Assembly of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. People's Daily, June 10, 2014 (002). [6] M and E Collected Works. Beijing: People's Publishing House, 2021. [7] Speech at the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel. United Front Work in China, 2013, (11): 4-7. [8] The C M. Beijing: People's Publishing House, 2018. [9] Vigorously Promote the Great Patriotic Spirit and Continuously Push Forward the Great Cause of Building a Powerful Country and Rejuvenating the Nation. Qiushi, 2024 (19): 4-16. [10] M, K. Capital. Beijing: People's Publishing House, 2018. [11] Wang Hongcai & Sun Jiapeng. Realistic Challenges and Coping Strategies for Cultivating Top-notch Innovative Talents in the Context of Building an Education Power. Modern Educational Management, 2024, (12): 1-10. [12] Guo Guoxiang & Zhang Haishui. Optimizing the Setup of University Disciplines and Majors to Adapt to the Development of New-quality Productive Forces. Journal of National Academy of Education Administration, 2024, (08): 34-42. [13] Zheng Qinghua. AI Empowering the Innovative Development of STEM Education: Understanding and Practice. China Higher Education Research, 2025, (01): 1-7. DOI: 10.16298/j.cnki.1004-3667.2025.01.01. [14] Pan Gang, Shi Linchao, Jiang Zhenli, et al. Construction of an Innovative Ability Training Model for Engineering Students - A Case Study of the Safety Engineering Major. University Education, 2024, (11): 125-128+148. [15] Zhao Fengying & Xu Hui. The Experience and Inspiration of Singapore's Early Selection and Cultivation of Top-notch Innovative Talents. Journal of Comparative Education, 1-16 [2025-01-23]. [16] Li Yan & Chen Zhuo. Cultivating Top-notch Innovative Graduate Talents in the United States: History, Paths, and Orientations - An Analysis Based on the "Endless Frontier Act". Higher Engineering Education Research, 2024, (06): 170-177. [17] Li Gang, Zheng Zelin, & Zhang Jiawei. How Universities Cultivate Top-notch Innovative Talents - Based on Content Analysis of Interviews with 100 Academicians. Chongqing Higher Education Research, 1-13 [2025-01-23]. [18] Shen Guochang & He Pengli. The Endogenous Logic, Specifications, and Important Paths for Cultivating Top-notch Innovative Talents from the Perspective of New-quality Productive Forces. Journal of Beijing Normal University (Social Sciences Edition), 2025, (01): 31-37. [19] Xiang Juhu & Huang Yiqing. The Logic, Dilemmas, and Paths of Promoting Top-notch Innovative Talent Cultivation through the Modern University College System. Higher Education Development and Evaluation, 2025, 41(01): 53-63+131. [20] Zhang Peiran, Li Hongyao, & Li Guang. Core Traits, Growth Laws, and Cultivation Strategies of Young Top-notch Innovative Talents in Universities. Journal of South China Normal University (Social Sciences Edition), 2024, (05): 44-56+207.