STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL VOCATIONAL COLLEGES UNDER “CHINA’S DOUBLE HIGH-LEVEL PLAN”

The Double High-Level Plan (DHP), a national strategy to enhance vocational education quality in China, faces persistent challenges in addressing regional disparities, particularly in underdeveloped provinces such as Yunnan. This study evaluates operational efficiency gaps between nationally designated DHP institutions and vocational colleges in Yunnan, aiming to propose actionable strategies for optimization. A dual-model Data Envelopment Analysis framework was applied to assess inputs, including financial allocation and human resources, alongside outputs such as facility utilization, talent cultivation, social services, and internationalization. Results reveal that Yunnan colleges demonstrate higher scale efficiency due to resource-constrained adaptation but exhibit significant deficits in technical efficiency, faculty qualifications, and international engagement compared to DHP institutions. Key challenges stem from fiscal limitations, industrial mismatch, and geographic marginalization. To address these issues, the study advocates cross-regional industry-education collaborations, curriculum digitalization, and incentive-driven faculty development initiatives. These findings contribute empirical insights for optimizing resource allocation and advancing equitable vocational education under the DHP framework, offering a reference for similar regional contexts globally.