Policy-Market Synergy: Comparing U.S.-China Higher Education Systems' Socioeconomic Impacts

Research Article
Open access

Policy-Market Synergy: Comparing U.S.-China Higher Education Systems' Socioeconomic Impacts

Xinlan Hong 1*
  • 1 Jiangsu Normal University    
  • *corresponding author 13952390121@163.com
Published on 13 June 2025 | https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/2025.23820
LNEP Vol.99
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-183-9
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-184-6

Abstract

China’s policy-driven approach to higher education emphasizes the cultivation of strategic engineering and technical talent to serve national development goals, differing significantly from the United States’ market-oriented model, which prioritizes individualized innovation and entrepreneurship. While China excels in producing professionals for critical industries, it often encounters challenges in workforce adaptability and practical application. In contrast, American universities demonstrate strength in fostering entrepreneurial capabilities through robust partnerships with industry. These institutions integrate venture capital, intellectual property (IP) management, and startup incubation into academic programs, facilitating a dynamic link between research and commercialization. China has made significant progress in promoting innovation-driven education, supported by government initiatives, but it still lacks curricular flexibility and hands-on training that align with rapidly evolving industry demands. This paper conducts a comparative analysis using literature review and case studies to examine these differing models and proposes strategic recommendations for improving talent cultivation, enhancing cross-sector cooperation, and aligning education with innovation ecosystems.

Keywords:

China and US higher education, policy-driven, job market, market mechanism

Hong,X. (2025). Policy-Market Synergy: Comparing U.S.-China Higher Education Systems' Socioeconomic Impacts. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,99,7-12.
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References

[1]. Zhao Feng, Zhang Yingqiang. A Study on the Construction of First-class Undergraduate Education in Research Universities: — A Comparative Perspective between China and the United States [J/OL]. Contemporary Education Forum, 1-17[2025-03-01].

[2]. Huang Xiang. Comparative Study on Entrepreneurship Education between Tsinghua University and Harvard University [D]. Central Minzu University, 2021.

[3]. Yu Fan. Comparison and Implications of Chinese and American Master's Degree Training Models [D]. Hunan Normal University, 2012.

[4]. Wang Kun, Liang Huiya. Comparative Study on the Development of Private Higher Education in China and Foreign Countries—A Study on the Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Private Higher Education and Regional Economy in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea [J]. Special Economic Zone Economy, 2024, (07):92-97.

[5]. Du Fan, Li Liguo. Analysis of the Contribution of Sino-US Graduate Education to Economic Growth and Innovation [J]. Modern University Education, 2024,40(03):96-102.

[6]. Lu Kunhong. Analysis and Development Strategies of Employment Policies for College Graduates from the Perspective of Policy Tools—Taking the Key Points of Ministry of Education's Work over the Past Decade as an Example [J]. Journal of Honghe University, 2025,23(01):93-97.


Cite this article

Hong,X. (2025). Policy-Market Synergy: Comparing U.S.-China Higher Education Systems' Socioeconomic Impacts. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,99,7-12.

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The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Education Innovation and Psychological Insights

ISBN:978-1-80590-183-9(Print) / 978-1-80590-184-6(Online)
Editor:Kurt Buhring
Conference website: https://2025.iceipi.org/
Conference date: 20 August 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.99
ISSN:2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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References

[1]. Zhao Feng, Zhang Yingqiang. A Study on the Construction of First-class Undergraduate Education in Research Universities: — A Comparative Perspective between China and the United States [J/OL]. Contemporary Education Forum, 1-17[2025-03-01].

[2]. Huang Xiang. Comparative Study on Entrepreneurship Education between Tsinghua University and Harvard University [D]. Central Minzu University, 2021.

[3]. Yu Fan. Comparison and Implications of Chinese and American Master's Degree Training Models [D]. Hunan Normal University, 2012.

[4]. Wang Kun, Liang Huiya. Comparative Study on the Development of Private Higher Education in China and Foreign Countries—A Study on the Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Private Higher Education and Regional Economy in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea [J]. Special Economic Zone Economy, 2024, (07):92-97.

[5]. Du Fan, Li Liguo. Analysis of the Contribution of Sino-US Graduate Education to Economic Growth and Innovation [J]. Modern University Education, 2024,40(03):96-102.

[6]. Lu Kunhong. Analysis and Development Strategies of Employment Policies for College Graduates from the Perspective of Policy Tools—Taking the Key Points of Ministry of Education's Work over the Past Decade as an Example [J]. Journal of Honghe University, 2025,23(01):93-97.