[Photo courtesy: Zhejiang University]

China’s first engineering institute opened its doors in eastern China’s Zhejiang province on Sept. 12. Experts believe the institute will serve to develop a national talent pool, which will advance the country’s innovation-driven development.

According to a report by thepaper.cn, preparations were started last July for the construction of Zhejiang Engineering Institute. Under the management of Zhejiang University, the institute will enroll 300 graduate students to study engineering and engineering management. Students will not only study theory, but will also benefit from field trips with experienced technicians and engineers.

The institute plans to train over 10,000 engineering professionals each year, and 3,000 graduate students will be expected to study in the institute by the end of 2020, the report stated.

The establishment of the engineering institute is Zhejiang province’s latest response to the “Made in China 2025” plan, which is designed to transform China into a leading manufacturing power. In August, Chinese authorities approved Ningbo, a coastal city in Zhejiang province, as the first pilot area for the “Made in China 2025” plan.

China sees engineering as a top priority for economic development and innovation strategies. Addressing the International Conference on Engineering Science and Technology in 2014, President Xi Jinping described engineering as a force to change the world and help China achieve fast social and economic progress.