Journal of Dali University ›› 2026, Vol. 11 ›› Issue (3): 86-.DOI: 10. 3969 / j. issn. 2096-2266. 2026. 03. 012

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From "Catch-up" to "Self-generated Development": Strategies for Higher Education in China's Non
Four-Major Economic Zones to Serve Regional Economic Transformation

Mai Junhong, Liang Wenwen
  

  1. School of Public Administration, South China University of Technology
  • Online:2026-03-15 Published:2026-04-01

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Abstract:

Regions outside China's four major economic zones have long been plagued by the homogenization of higher education and
its disconnection from regional economic demands. This paper constructs a classification framework from the dual-dimensional
perspective of resource and industry types as well as economic development stages, explores the transformation strategies of selected
provinces and cities in these zones, and aims to drive the transition of their higher education from a "catch-up" model to a "self
generated development" model. The study finds that: first, resource-based middle-income regions need to optimize their industrial
structure through dynamic adjustment of disciplines and university-industry collaborative innovation. Second, agriculture-dominated
underdeveloped regions should drive talent return by expanding vocational education access and supporting return-home
entrepreneurship. Third, ecologically vulnerable underdeveloped regions can leverage inter-regional university collaboration and build
a sustainable talent ecosystem to transform natural constraints into unique advantages. Based on this framework, this paper seeks to
break through the constraints of a single-dimensional perspective to explore classified regional governance, develop differentiated
strategies to resolve the dilemma of "one-size-fits-all" policies, activate local endogenous driving forces, and facilitate distinctive
development.

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