Soft inputs matter: How school processes and family emotional support shape core competencies in Chinese vocational students

This study examines the impact of various factors on the core competencies of Chinese higher vocational students in the digital age. With the rapid advancement of technology and increasing automation in industries, the demand for skilled talents with not only professional skills but also core competencies such as communication, problem-solving, and resilience has grown. The research aims to assess the extent to which students acquire these competencies and identify the key factors from family and school inputs that influence their development. The study employs a quantitative approach, using an online questionnaire survey with a large sample size across multiple provinces in China. The findings underscore the significant role of school process inputs and family emotional inputs in shaping students' core competencies, highlighting areas for improvement and resource allocation to better equip students for the future workforce.