Internationalization key for universities

Q: What are the characteristics of a top-class, international university, and how is Shanghai Jiao Tong University combining the experiences of leading universities with developments in China's higher education sector?

A: The common features of top universities include having top-tier academic leaders in their faculties, making substantial contributions to the development of human societies, social progress and national prosperity, and being able to do disruptive and original research. Today, globalization has become a fundamental characteristic of the world's leading universities. By positioning their mission at the global level, top universities can attract the best students, faculty members and education resources. They can produce the best talent and cutting-edge research that benefits society.

To become a global leader, a university in an emerging economy needs to serve the national strategy and focus on solving major theoretical and practical issues in social economic development. At the same time, the university needs to keep an open mind and seek opportunities for reform to promote progress.