Eric Langer; Eliza Yibing Zhou
|
Biotechnology is definitely a hot topic in China—the country's administrators recently identified it as a "cornerstone of
China's national economy by 2020." But most realize that getting there will require a better trained, specialized workforce
than currently exists. The Chinese government has been pumping money into life sciences education as part of its plan to achieve
a global biotechnological presence over the next 15 years.
This article summarizes information from the recent BioPlan Associates and Society for Industrial Microbiology study, Advances in Biopharmaceutical Technology in China. We examine how investments have affected the growth of life sciences in China over the past few years.
BACKGROUND
In 1981, China outlined an educational degree system similar to that in the US. In 1995, China introduced a national strategy
to "reinvigorate China through science and education." One such high-priority program is the 211 Project, which focuses on
funding major universities and key disciplines in China. Based on enrollment, employment, and economic data, these programs
seem to be working.
STATISTICS
Figure 1. Undergraduate enrollment in higher education institutions (1998–2005)
|
The sheer size of China's population makes its education statistics eye-popping: in 2005, the total higher education enrollment
in China hit a record of 23 million—the highest in the world. There were 2,236 higher education institutions in China including
684 undergraduate institutions and 1,047 junior colleges. The gross enrollment rate was 21% (percentage of population, age
18–22, enrolled in all higher education institutions in China), with an 8.5% annual increase since 2000.1 (Figures 1 and 2).
Figure 2. Graduate enrollment in higher education institutions (1998–2005)
|
According to the Ministry of Education, by the end of 2004 there were 228 private higher education institutions in China,
with a total enrollment of 1.4 million students.2 Following China's entry to the world trade organization, many foreign universities have also opened facilities in China
through cooperation with Chinese private schools.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES, FAST GROWTH
The 211 Project has funded 100 major university construction projects and improvements in education quality and scientific
research. For example, between 1999 and 2001, the government invested 1.8 billion RMB ($240 million) in Tsing Hua University
and Peking University, respectively, to help establish them as competitive world-class institutions. Total investments on
the 211 Project reached $2.3 billion used for key discipline creation, public service system construction, and basic facilities
construction.
