Sustainable Development of Industry-Specific Universities in China Under the “Double First-Class” Initiative: A Niche Perspective

Bin Dong (), Yuchen Wang, Bo Chen, Ruijun Zhang and Shengzhong Zhang ()
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Bin Dong: School of Transportation Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Yuchen Wang: School of Transportation Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Bo Chen: School of Transportation Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Ruijun Zhang: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Shengzhong Zhang: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-35

Abstract: China has made a major strategic decision to build world-class universities and first-class disciplines (abbreviation: Double First-Class), aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Chinese higher education. Industry-specific universities have a special historical evolution and distinctive characteristics. China’s industry-specific universities have always played an important role in the higher education system and made significant contributions to the development of the country. However, the “Double First-Class” initiative presents both opportunities and challenges for industry-specific universities. This paper employs the SWOT analysis method to conduct a qualitative analysis of industry-specific universities and proposes a strategic matrix for decision-making. At the same time, from a niche perspective, this paper explores the sustainable development strategies of these institutions within the initiative through the calculation of niche breadth, niche overlap, and their relationship analysis. The research results indicate that the “Double First-Class” initiative has played a positive role in promoting the expansion of universities’ ecological niches. However, it has also led to excessive niche overlap and intense competition. Industry-specific universities face opportunities and challenges in terms of structure, strategy, and policy for their sustainable development. Key findings highlight the importance of strategic alignment with national demand, industry cooperation, and policy orientation for sustainable growth. This paper proposes recommendations for the construction of a sustainable development framework, implementation of strategic initiatives, and policy guidance for universities with industrial characteristics from three perspectives: government, industry, and universities.

Keywords: “double first-class” initiative; industry-specific universities; sustainable development; Chinese higher education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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