Managing the digital transformation of education as part of the Chinese national project of a “Great Unity” society

Abstract

The article deals with the phenomenon of digital transformation of the Chinese educational space as the main component of knowledge management system in the society of “Great Unity”. Using the comparative, hermeneutic, historical and philosophical methods, the authors analyse three problem areas – social ideal, forecasting, and national education in China. The conclusion is made that the traditional project of a society of “Great Unity”, that is, the Confucian model of the ideal Datong society, can be transformed into a national foresight project. A well-developed educational system and equal access to education are the key components of this project, digitalization of education being the most important direction of the modern Chinese educational reform. Based on the findings of studies carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and other materials, various trends in the current digitalization process are described. Historical features of and socio-cultural preconditions for the development of the educational system existing in China today are analysed. The authors conclude that the system rests on a solid socio-cultural foundation and is aimed towards the digital future of the Chinese society.