Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications Artificial Intelligence Society - A Study on the Challenges and Difficulties Faced by Scientists and Engineers in the Field of Artificial Intelligence
Company overview
The Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence (CAAI), established in 1981, is one of the earliest nationwide, first-level academic organizations in the field of artificial intelligence in China. Officially registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the CAAI is affiliated with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. As an official member society of the China Science and Technology Association, the CAAI has the qualification to recommend candidates for the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The association currently operates 62 affiliated branches, including 53 professional committees and 9 working committees, covering the major research directions and application fields of intelligent science and technology. Committed to advancing the development of intelligent science and technology in China, the CAAI actively organizes high-level academic events such as the Global Artificial Intelligence Conference, the China Artificial Intelligence Conference, and the International Artificial Intelligence Conference, building a platform for industry exchange and enjoying broad influence both domestically and internationally.
Research background
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies and the continuous expansion of application scenarios, AI scientists and engineers are encountering increasingly complex challenges across research, teaching, and industrial translation. Issues such as uneven distribution of research resources, unclear career development paths, the need for improved academic evaluation mechanisms, and growing concerns over technical ethics have become increasingly evident. To promote the healthy development of China's intelligent science and technology sector, to accurately understand the current status of scientific and technological talent, and to analyze the actual difficulties and challenges faced by AI professionals, a systematic research effort is urgently needed to provide a solid basis for policy formulation and academic advancement.
Research scope
In June 2025, CEIDEA Research, commissioned by the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence (CAAI), conducted a special study on 'Challenges and Difficulties Faced by Artificial Intelligence Scientists and Engineers.' The research combined quantitative surveys with in-depth interviews, targeting AI professionals from universities, research institutions, and R&D departments across the country. The study systematically analyzes key areas including professional development environments, research support conditions, technical ethics, cross-disciplinary integration capabilities, and international exchange channels. Ensuring both geographical breadth and professional coverage, the research specifically selected key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou—regions with high concentrations of AI industry and research activities—as core sample areas, aiming to comprehensively understand the real working conditions and primary challenges faced by AI professionals in China.
Expected outcomes
This study is expected to systematically identify the major professional challenges currently faced by AI scientists and engineers, and through data analysis and case studies, develop a representative problem map and a set of improvement recommendations. The findings will serve as decision-making references for government authorities, research institutions, and industry organizations. Additionally, the research will contribute to the establishment of more inclusive and scientifically grounded research support and talent evaluation mechanisms, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and professional fulfillment of AI research work in China, and helping to build a healthy, sustainable artificial intelligence science and technology ecosystem.
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