China Highlights AI Transformation in New Smart Education Report
China has outlined its vision for the future of digitally driven learning in a new report focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping education systems, governance and teaching models.
The Chinese Academy of Educational Sciences presented the China Smart Education Development Report (2025–2026) during the closing ceremony of the World Digital Education Conference.
Built around the theme “Artificial Intelligence Redefining Education,” the report examines how AI and digital technologies are transforming education in the intelligent era.
AI Positioned at Centre of Education Reform
The report states that artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in reshaping learning environments, educational governance and classroom teaching methods across China.
Researchers highlighted how digital technologies are reducing traditional barriers to education while encouraging innovation and enabling new forms of digital learning.
According to the report, China has made notable progress in integrating AI into education through a combination of national planning, pilot programmes and digital infrastructure development.
The document also described the expansion of the national smart education public service platform, which has become a central component of the country’s education digitalisation efforts.
Strategy Action 2.0 Framework Takes Shape
The report said China has gradually established the framework for its National Education Digitalization Strategy Action 2.0 initiative.
Officials view the strategy as a key step in modernising education systems and supporting broader national goals linked to technological advancement and digital transformation.
The document emphasised that smart education development requires coordinated planning, institutional support and stronger integration between artificial intelligence technologies and teaching practices.
It also highlighted the importance of building consensus in smart education research while strengthening cooperation among educators, researchers and policymakers.
Governance and Global Trends Under Review
Alongside progress reports, the study examined governance challenges linked to the rapid expansion of AI-powered education systems.
Researchers explored issues involving digital governance, educational equity and the responsible use of intelligent technologies in learning environments.
The report also assessed emerging global trends in smart education and analysed how countries are adapting to AI-driven transformation in schools and universities.
Chinese officials stressed the importance of presenting the country’s policies, practices and development models related to “AI + Education” on the international stage.
China Expands Focus on Digital Education
China has steadily increased investment in digital education initiatives as part of broader efforts to strengthen technological innovation and modernise public services.
The report positions artificial intelligence as a major driver of future educational change, with potential impacts extending from personalised learning to administrative management and research collaboration.
By accelerating smart education development, China aims to build a more connected, technology-enabled education system capable of adapting to changing global demands.
