Vice-Premier Liu Yandong attended a conference in Beijing on July 23. [Photo/Xinhua]

Colleges and universities should focus on improving their ability to innovate, Vice-Premier Liu Yandong said in a conference in Beijing on July 23.

There is an urgent need to raise the levels of innovation in higher educational institutes to cope with fierce international competition, Liu said.

Higher education should nurture an innovative spirit and entrepreneurship, and institutes should strengthen their research capacity in basic science and cutting-edge technologies, she said.

Liu said that colleges and universities should encourage different subjects, turn achievements in scientific research into real benefits, develop high-end think tanks and strengthen international exchanges.

She added that the authorities should further cut administrative approval powers and help colleges and universities improve their ability to govern themselves.