A Historical Review, Path Choices, and Future Prospects of Building World-Class Universities in China
Keywords:
World-class universities, Higher education policy, Project 211, Project 985, Double first-class initiativeAbstract
In the context of intensifying global competition and knowledge-driven economic development, the construction of world-class universities has become a central pillar of China’s national strategy. The comprehensive performance of higher education in research, talent cultivation, social service, and cultural development is widely regarded as a key indicator of national competitiveness. This study systematically examines the historical evolution of China’s world-class university construction, aiming to identify its major strategic pathways, stage-based transformations, and emerging characteristics. Drawing on literature review and policy analysis, the paper analyzes a series of landmark national initiatives, including Project 211, Project 985, the 2011 Plan, and the Double First-Class Initiative. The findings reveal that China’s approach is marked by strong state leadership, targeted support for key institutions and disciplines, sustained financial investment, and an increasing emphasis on quality and performance. Over time, the development model has shifted from qualification-based allocation to performance-oriented governance, from inward institutional strengthening to coordinated internal external development, and from reliance on Western evaluation standards to a framework incorporating Chinese characteristics. The study argues that China’s experience demonstrates a distinctive state-led model of world-class university construction, offering both strategic clarity for future reform and comparative insights for global higher education development.
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