Abstract:
This thesis investigates role of higher education in the Belt and Road Initiative of China. The main aspect
of BRI is that China develops economic, cultural, political influence at the world level us. “People to
people exchange” is one of five pillars of BRI. Higher education is important from this pillar’s perspective
because the future generations will create and develop exchanges between countries. So, that people who
go to study abroad receive experience from other countries and in the future could use the knowledge
gained to develop their country. Students have the chance to study abroad at the expense of the state - this
is an investment in the future through higher education. Based on this premise, this study will highlight
how BRI integrates higher education as one of priority areas for the development of the initiative. It
includes thorough analysis of three higher education-related projects linked to BRI: Universities role in
creation of knowledge on BRI (case of Tongji University), use of higher education institutes for
promoting BRI (Confucius Institutes), and fostering world class Universities (Double First-class
University Plan). Thesis also provides substantial number of examples of BRI implementation from
Central Asian region. This thesis thus highlights the function of BRI as a framework to develop and share
knowledge, and improve intercultural communication
