Research on the Status Quo, Influencing Factors, and Optimization Strategies of Interdisciplinary Development in Chinese Universities

Since interdisciplinary studies have been officially recognized as the 14th disciplinary category, there has been growing attention to its development and institutionalization across various academic departments and universities. However, a review of existing literature reveals that current research predominantly focuses on theoretical frameworks, while empirical investigations remain scarce. Drawing on the interdisciplinary evaluation systems established by leading universities and institutions in Europe and the United States, this study designs a comprehensive questionnaire that examines key areas such as interdisciplinary talent development, scientific research outputs, and societal contributions. Using a sample of over 100 universities, the study employs both descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses to identify several critical issues. The findings indicate that the number of interdisciplinary disciplines remains limited, with insufficient resources and institutional support; international collaboration is infrequent; and the functions of interdisciplinary studies are unbalanced. Based on these findings, targeted recommendations are proposed to optimize the development of interdisciplinary fields.