For example, economics may need to combine psychology, sociology, geography, and even biology and medicine. The reduction of poverty, for instance, involves knowing about medical care, resource allocation, as well as the study of costs, efficiency and management, she adds.

"Today's disciplinary development is more open and dynamic," says the CUFE president. "Previously, we trained people to enable them to specialize in a certain field, but now we need talented people who boast comprehensive capabilities and have acquired more skills besides their specialty."

Wang and He delivered speeches at the University Presidents Forum held by the CUFE, where more than 200 experts from about 30 universities worldwide shared their insights under the theme of "responsibility and mission for universities in social changes". The forum was one of the events marking the 70th anniversary of the university this year.

Zhuo Zhi, president of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, who also attended the forum, agrees that Chinese higher education, especially in finance, should evolve to confront the uncertainties in the innovation-driven era.