People pose for photos outside the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, Aug. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese authorities have unveiled a guideline on strengthening data-related disciplines and digital talent development to boost the role of data as an innovation engine in empowering new quality productive forces.

The document, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and four other government departments, outlines 12 tasks across four key areas, focusing on the development of disciplines, vocational training, academic research, as well as collaboration between enterprises, universities, research institutes and end-users.

China will support eligible institutions, with participation from data enterprises and research institutes, in establishing data-related disciplines like data science and engineering, as well as digital economy and management, according to the document.

Vocational schools are encouraged to make dynamic adjustments to include market-oriented programs such as data collection and cleaning, data compliance, and data operation.

China will also encourage localities to set up joint entities based on industrial parks, as well as support leading enterprises, top colleges and vocational schools to jointly establish cross-regional collaboration communities that integrate data-related industrial development and education, according to the document.