A new policy framework aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate the digital transformation of education and build a high-quality educational system has been introduced in Gansu Province.

Recently, five provincial departments, including the Gansu Provincial Department of Education, jointly issued the "Gansu Province 'AI + Education' Action Plan (2026-2030)". The plan outlines five major areas encompassing 15 key tasks designed to drive the modernization of the province's educational infrastructure and teaching methods.

A central component of the initiative involves strengthening collaboration between universities and leading technology companies. The plan encourages higher education institutions to establish joint innovation mechanisms and communities with research institutes. This includes creating dedicated platforms to match supply with demand, thereby boosting the commercial application and incubation of AI-related research outcomes.

The strategy also focuses on aligning education with regional industrial needs. Gansu will cultivate pilot projects for AI industrialization across key sectors such as new energy, new materials, and equipment manufacturing. On the academic front, universities are urged to make AI a compulsory public basic course or a designated elective. Institutions with the necessary resources are also encouraged to develop AI-focused minors and micro-majors to build a skilled talent pool.

Infrastructure development is another key pillar. The plan calls for the establishment of a provincial-level educational computing platform that integrates supercomputing and intelligent computing resources. Simultaneously, efforts will be made to upgrade existing classrooms into smart learning environments and to modernize traditional teaching facilities.

To ensure adequate resources for practical learning, the plan specifies support for middle and high schools to procure laboratory equipment for AI experiments. It also mandates backing for universities to construct new teaching and research buildings, update training and research instrumentation, and develop internship and training bases that integrate production with education.