Research on Key Factors and Effective Pathways for Luban Workshop’s Growth into a Prominent International Vocational Education Cooperation Brand: An Examination Based on Structuration Theory

Abstract The Luban Workshop represents a quintessential model of China’s international vocational education cooperation. From the perspective of structuration theory, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of the key elements underpinning the high-quality development of Luban Workshops globally and explores effective pathways for international vocational education collaboration through this initiative. The findings hold significant implications for strengthening China’s proactive stance in opening-up and advancing higher-quality global engagement. The research identifies three critical success factors for Luban Workshop to be a distinguished international vocational education brand: institutional development, resource allocation, and multi-actor participation. Regarding institutional frameworks, Luban Workshops have established comprehensive formal systems alongside effective informal mechanisms. In terms of resource development, human capital, information networks, cultural assets, and technological resources collectively form the essential foundation for their high-quality operation. The ecosystem features diverse stakeholders, including sovereign states, administrative bodies, coordination agencies, participating institutions, multinational and local enterprises, and civil society actors who constitute the core collaborative network driving the workshops’ development. These elements collectively represent actionable pathways for cultivating globally recognized vocational education partnerships.