First ‘practical PhDs’ awarded in China — for products rather than papers

Key Points

• The first practical PhDs awarded in China focus on real-world product development rather than traditional academic papers.
• This new approach aims to foster innovation by aligning research more closely with industry needs and applications.
• Academic pathways are evolving, as institutions prioritize practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge in higher education.
• Such a shift may influence future educational frameworks by encouraging collaboration between academia and industry.