Government-University Relationship in China’s AI Talent Development: A Triple Helix Perspective

Abstract

Using the Triple Helix model, this study explores the government-university relationship in the context of China’s AI talent development, and their outcomes in terms of AI program deployment, enrollment and faculty. Their interaction may best be summarized as a model of government pull and university response, but with more support and autonomy for the Shuang Yiliu groups. Specifically, the state has maintained a dominant role as a policymaker in promoting the production of AI personnel and showed strong mobilizing abilities to integrate universities into the national AI strategy. Government guidelines outlined the roadmap for training top AI talent with a focus on Shuang Yiliu universities, universities with Shuang Yiliu disciplines, and interdisciplinary graduate students. Universities have responded with quick launch of AI programs, large enrollment and faculty with advanced training and overseas experience. A multi-level AI personnel training system has taken shape. With their privilege in financial and policy support and more autonomy, Shuang Yiliu universities, and universities with Shuang Yiliu disciplines will be the main producers of AI-concentrated graduate students. Theoretical contributions are discussed and policy and practice implications for addressing AI program distributions, talent development and retention, faculty and research, and AI as a discipline provided.