Li Keqiang on Tsinghua University
TL;DR
Li Keqiang strongly supports Tsinghua University's role in driving national innovation, particularly in science and technology.
Key Points
He visited Tsinghua University on April 15th, where he viewed exhibitions on science and technology innovation achievements.
Li Keqiang urged universities to establish more flexible mechanisms for attracting high-caliber talent to achieve global leadership in core technology.
In 2014, Dean Xue Lan of the School of Public Policy and Management consulted with him on government work, offering suggestions for improving market framework conditions.
Summary
Li Keqiang has shown consistent, strong support for Tsinghua University, particularly emphasizing its role as a hub for scientific and technological innovation. During a visit on April 15th, he inspected the university’s history museum and viewed exhibitions detailing achievements in areas like new-generation nuclear technology and next-generation internet. He directly urged the university to foster an environment that encourages original ideas and to coordinate better with other research institutes to maximize efficiency regarding talent and resources. This focus aligns with his broader emphasis on using higher education to build an innovation-oriented nation.
His engagement extended beyond facility tours to direct interaction with students and faculty, underscoring a commitment to practical application and entrepreneurial spirit. In a written reply to Tsinghua students from the makerspace association for Youth Day, he lauded their pioneering spirit and encouraged them to monetize their innovations as part of the national push for mass entrepreneurship. Furthermore, a high-level official from Tsinghua's School of Public Policy and Management consulted with him on government work, suggesting a continued high-level, policy-relevant engagement between the Premier's office and the university.
Key Quotes
...only when higher education is fully developed can China maintain a relatively long period of high economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Keqiang’s position is one of strong support, particularly viewing Tsinghua University as a critical engine for national scientific and technological innovation. He encouraged the university community to nurture pioneering spirits and ensure their research breakthroughs lead globally.
Yes, Premier Li Keqiang visited Tsinghua University on April 15th to inspect its innovation achievements and speak with faculty and students. During this visit, he stressed the importance of higher education being better coordinated with science institutes.
Li Keqiang cheered on 'makers' (chuangke) among the students in a written reply, urging them to nurture their pioneering spirit and dare to break from routine to advance innovation. He supported their determination to ride the tide of 'mass entrepreneurship and innovation.'
Sources5
Premier Li Inspects Tsinghua University, Stressing Innovation for Higher Education
Premier LI Keqiang Consulted with Dean XUE Lan on Government Work-School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University
Keqiang Li | IntechOpen
Premier Li urges innovation in higher education
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.