Demands and responses in Chinese higher education

Abstract

Since China launched its open door and economic reform policy in 1978, there has been high and sustained economic growth over the last 30 years or so. The enhanced economic situation has provided a solid basis for the development of higher education in terms of both government financing and private investment in the sector. Meanwhile, the improvement in higher education has contributed to economic growth through knowledge production, human resource provision, and promoted social mobility. Although higher education and socioeconomic reforms as two dynamic forces affect the development of each other, this study focuses on the responses of Chinese higher education to the demands arising from social and economic transformation in China.