When I am reborn, I just want to be a top student

"I wonder how future students of Tangdu Jiaotong University will evaluate me as their principal. I'm afraid there will be no shortage of criticism," Xu Songyao said with emotion as he looked out the window.

"Uncle Xu, right and wrong, merit and demerit, will be judged by future generations. Since ancient times, as long as you do something, you will offend people. This is unavoidable."

"The current setup of university majors and disciplines has major problems, and there is a serious disconnect between universities and society."

"Of course, this is also a result of the expansion of university enrollment and the proliferation of academic qualifications, so we can't blame the universities entirely."

"However, the essence of education is cultivation. If we cannot make good use of the elite talents selected under our national education system and give full play to their intelligence, it would be a huge waste."

"Adjusting professional disciplines is an inevitable trend in higher education reform. For example, the current field of aerospace dynamics could be renamed interplanetary aerospace. Early planning in cutting-edge technology fields will prevent untimely education and a shortage of talent."

"Vocational education is also an important part. Before AI and machines completely replace humans, a large number of skilled and highly qualified workers are extremely important."

Now, Xu Songyao naturally no longer questions Wang Donglai's vision and strategic awareness.

Just like many technologies, Wang Donglai alone has driven global technological development, creating a huge gap.

Not to mention those who are close to Wang Donglai, there are very few people who can even understand him.

"Donglai, I trust your vision and strategic awareness. The changes in Tangdu City in recent years, as well as many other changes at home and abroad, have confirmed what you said before."

"The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with the transition between old and new hegemons, and the coexistence of contradictions and cooperation between developed and developing countries in geopolitics and the global economy."

"As you said, the economic growth brought about by the previous technological explosion is nearing its end. The next step will either be a breakthrough in new technologies that will create rapid economic growth again, or a redistribution of global interests."

“I have a deep impression of something you said and I will keep it in mind: ‘Closely integrate personal ideals with the future and destiny of the country.’ This is a profound statement.”

“I’m retiring in a couple of days. When I start working at your company, as the boss, you’ll have to tell me about the company’s development plans.”

Xu Songyao takes it all in stride. Although he is an academician, he retired from his position as president of Tangdu Jiaotong University.

However, in front of Wang Donglai, there really weren't many who could boast of their abilities.

In terms of academic standing, Wang Donglai's achievements are greater than his, and his international standing is higher.

In terms of influence, as an academician, my abilities are limited to what an academician should have. Even with the addition of Tangdu Jiaotong University, my influence is still limited.

However, Wang Donglai is different. His influence over the higher-ups is so great that he can decide the life or death of a project with just a word. For example, many laboratories in Tangdu City were quietly moved here because Wang Donglai is here.

Not to mention that Wang Donglai also has the gold mine of Galaxy Technology. Even with just the allure of money, he could secure many scientific research projects.

The most typical example is the development of Galaxy Aerospace. The authorities simply opened up the field to private enterprises, clearly just opening a door, but unexpectedly, Wang Donglai took advantage of this door to directly enter the mainstream and become the main player.

"Actually, it still comes down to the same old saying: development is the only way forward."

"The specific plan is to rely on technological progress to drive productivity growth and adjust broken production relations."

"Uncle Xu must also know that Galaxy Technology has always been committed to providing its employees with high salaries and generous benefits."

"Many people see this as a complete waste, and there is absolutely no need to distribute the money."

"But I don't think so. Galaxy Technology has developed with advanced technology, and its profit margin is far beyond everyone's imagination. In fact, it can be said that in some areas, Galaxy Technology is a monopoly company. It has made a lot of profits by taking the lead in technology."

"Distributing the money is not only a response to the country's call, but also a deeper economic principle."

"The Pareto principle is absolutely unacceptable because it is not a normal and healthy economic development situation."

"Of course, that's a bit of a stretch."

"Currently, Galaxy Technology's development plan is to leverage its huge advantages in scientific and technological research and development to achieve breakthroughs in various cutting-edge technologies, thereby driving industrial upgrading."

"For example, the emergence of Xuanwu batteries has driven changes in the landscape of the energy battery industry."

"For example, breakthroughs in lithography technology can promote the localization of the semiconductor industry and break free from dependence on overseas technologies."

“Every breakthrough we achieve in a new technological field brings not only high-end jobs, but also massive profits.”

"We have 1.4 billion people, making us the world's largest consumer market, but our purchasing power is very weak."

"Don't look at how high our per capita income is. Spending power refers to the amount of money an ordinary person can spend after deducting necessary living expenses from their monthly salary."

"It is clear that our spending power is not strong enough."

"The average person in the Bald Eagle Federation consumes eight pairs of shoes per year, while we probably only consume two pairs per person."

"Of the three drivers of economic development—investment, consumption, and exports—the former has already peaked, the middle one has always been neglected, and the latter is gradually weakening in the current world situation."

"The more this is the case, the more we must adhere to the development concept of technology as the core."

"Solid-state batteries, new materials technology, molecular engineering, virtual reality, aerospace, biotechnology, controlled nuclear fusion, room temperature superconductivity, and artificial intelligence may seem far away, but they are actually very close to us."

"These technologies, in my view, are the key to the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

"If we can grasp these technologies, we can become one of the first countries in the world to enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We have already missed the first two industrial revolutions, and we barely caught up with the Third Industrial Revolution at a great cost."

History must not be repeated, and mistakes must not be made again.

"The Fourth Industrial Revolution is our last chance."

"In fact, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has already begun. These technologies are either already in their infancy or about to be implemented, but they are still in top laboratories and are far from being accessible to ordinary people."

"Perhaps, decades from now, future generations will write in textbooks that the Fourth Industrial Revolution began right now."

"We are witnessing history, and we are becoming history."

Xu Songyao nodded. To have reached this level through reading, his learning and comprehension abilities must be quite good.

"Listening to your words is worth ten years of reading!"

"After hearing what you said, my thinking became very clear. Just like you said, we are witnessing history and becoming history. What we need to do is not to think too much, but to roll up our sleeves, take the steps and do it, and put theory into practice."

Wang Donglai nodded, looked at Xu Songyao, and said with a slight smile, "Uncle Xu, I heard that there's a rumor circulating within Tangdu Jiaotong University that they want to merge Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xidian University, and Tangdu Jiaotong University into one institution called Qin Province University. Does Uncle Xu know about this?"

Hearing Wang Donglai suddenly bring this up, Xu Songyao was momentarily unsure of Wang Donglai's true thoughts. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Someone has said that, but it was mostly a joke."

"In the past two years, the school has also developed along with your company, and some people have become bolder and have this daring idea."

"However, only some of the lower-level people think this way."

Xu Songyao himself knew that this proposal was impossible, let alone anyone else. From any perspective, he would not agree to it.

The idea of ​​merging three top universities into one is simply a joke.

Therefore, when Wang Donglai asked about this, Xu Songyao was more concerned that Wang Donglai might be displeased because of what he had heard.

However, Wang Donglai's reaction after Xu Songyao's explanation was beyond his expectations.

"Uncle Xu, of course I know that the idea of ​​merging three universities into one is simply impossible."

"I brought this up for no other reason than..."

"Merging universities is not feasible, so what do you think about forming a university alliance, Uncle Xu?"

Wang Donglai spoke calmly, but his words struck Xu Songyao's heart like a hammer blow.

There are actually many university alliances in China.

The C9 League, E9 League, G7 League, Z14 League, Lige League, the Eight Old Architectural Universities, the Five Institutes and Four Departments, the Yangtze River Delta Research University Alliance, the Beijing High-Tech University Alliance, etc.

It's quite common for universities to form alliances.

However, there is no such alliance in Tangdu City.

Tangdu Jiaotong University has always considered itself the leading university in Tangdu City and Qin Province, and is very interested in establishing its academic standing.

Otherwise, no one would have come up with the idea of ​​merging Northwestern Polytechnical University and Xidian University.

The reason is that these two institutions pose a significant threat to Tangdu Jiaotong University. By merging them, Tangdu Jiaotong University can more openly and legitimately integrate the universities in Qin Province.

Now, upon suddenly hearing Wang Donglai propose forming a university alliance, Xu Songyao's heart immediately stirred.

If I could accomplish this while still in office, I would truly have no regrets.

However, as soon as this thought crossed his mind, Xu Songyao remembered that he only had a few days left before retirement.

Wang Donglai naturally noticed the change in Xu Songyao's expression.

He also understood Xu Songyao's thoughts.

"This is a good thing. If we can unite the universities in Qin Province, it will be a considerable force."

"If we form an alliance with three 985 universities, five 211 universities, and other universities, and bring together the strength of all of them, the power would be considerable."

Xu Songyao thought for a moment, then spoke up.

Wang Donglai continued, "Uncle Xu, if this alliance were to follow the example of Tangdu Jiaotong University, making adjustments to its professional disciplines and cooperating with Galaxy Technology to cultivate more talent, do you think that's possible?"

Xu Songyao frowned as soon as the question was raised.

This is a complex issue. Xu Songyao, as someone who experienced it firsthand, naturally knows how much resistance there was when Tangdu Jiaotong University pushed for these initiatives.

There are external ones and internal ones.

Even something as simple as linking the scores of the College English Test Band 4 and Band 6 to graduation certificates has been opposed by many people within universities.

If it weren't for Xu Songyao's firm stance and the assistance from Galaxy Technology, it would have been impossible for things to go so smoothly.

Not to mention the adjustment of professional disciplines, which is not something that can be done in a simple sentence.

Each academic discipline represents anywhere from dozens to hundreds of students.

After those academic disciplines and majors were reduced, the number of new students at Tangdu Jiaotong University decreased significantly.

Other consequences also emerged.

Xu Songyao didn't think that other schools had his determination.

After thinking for a moment and organizing his thoughts, Xu Songyao began, “The difficulty will probably not be low. After all, if so many schools adjust their academic disciplines and majors, the number of new students will likely decrease sharply, which does not align with the purpose of expanding enrollment.”

"Secondly, other universities don't have much motivation to do this. It's better to stay put than to take action. Doing this kind of work involves a lot of pressure and responsibility, and it also tests one's abilities."

"Finally, doing this wouldn't offer much benefit to other universities, making it difficult for them to be interested."

Wang Donglai was also aware of these issues. When he heard Xu Songyao bring them up, his expression became serious. He said, "Uncle Xu's ability to do this at Tangdu Jiaotong University is truly remarkable. I believe that Uncle Xu will not regret the developments of the past two years."

"Except for a few professors in related disciplines who may be dissatisfied, everyone else should be quite satisfied."

"University is for studying and conducting research, or for obtaining a degree; these are two different orientations."

"The former values ​​quality over quantity. In the field of research and development, one genius may be more important than a thousand ordinary people."

"The latter will only bury and waste talent, causing it to fade into mediocrity."

"Since I proposed to form this university alliance, I have considered these points."

"Galaxy Technology will sign talent training agreements with the universities that join the alliance. For every qualified talent trained and hired, we will allocate a sum of money."

"In addition, we can also conduct joint research and development with universities and provide research and development funding."

"The world is bustling, all come for profit, and the world is bustling, all for profit."

"Forming university alliances can better leverage the strengths of various universities, concentrate resources and faculty to develop flagship programs, and achieve greater breakthroughs in research and development."

"This is a win-win situation for the higher authorities, universities, and Galaxy Technology as well."

"As for the decrease in the number of new students, it does not conform to the concept of expanding enrollment. First-tier and second-tier universities, as well as private universities, will take over."

"If industrial upgrading is not achieved, expanding enrollment in higher education will often only lead to one result: academic competition."

"The educational requirements for basic positions are getting higher and higher, but the salaries and benefits are not keeping up. This situation will lead to an increase in the aversion to learning and a decrease in the importance attached to education."

"Education is a long-term undertaking that requires consideration of all aspects."

Wang Donglai had witnessed the intense competition in the academic qualification system, so he spoke with great certainty.

After listening, Xu Songyao also fell into deep thought. (End of Chapter)