A “Chinese Approach” to STEM Education Innovation and Development

Purpose This study explores the urgent need for a distinct “Chinese approach” to the innovation and development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in China. Design/Approach/Methods By analyzing the strategic importance of localizing STEM education in China, this study advances a systematic framework for constructing a “Chinese approach” to innovative STEM development. Findings The Chinese-style approach proposed by this study retains the core tenets of STEM while systemically emphasizing the educational functions of engineering-based, practice-oriented, and integrative learning, as well as education empowered by digital intelligence. It also reflects traditional Chinese values and local characteristics. Grounded in the implementation of the new curriculum, we recommend integrating artificial intelligence technologies across the full scope of school education, incorporating relevant elements into the national curriculum, highlighting distinctiveness through the development of local and school-based STEM curricula, and expanding educational opportunities via extracurricular clubs and off-campus institutions. Originality/Value By combining the global principles of STEM with Chinese cultural traditions and systemic design, this study outlines a pathway for advancing innovative STEM education with Chinese characteristics.