Reconstructing the Evaluation Mechanism for Youth Scientific Research Project Approval: A Hybrid Methodology Design and Empirical Study Based on AHP-FCE

This study proposes an AHP-FCE hybrid evaluation model which addressed the dual challenges of indicator vagueness and expert subjective bias in the evaluation of youth scientific research project proposals. By constructing a four-dimensional indicator system (Capacity-Scheme-Resource-Intellectual Property) and AHP for weighting with FCE for quantification, the model transforms qualitative judgments into objective decision-making. An empirical analysis based on 326 project applications (2018–2025) demonstrates that the model maintains a Consistency Ratio (CR) below 0.1 (mean = 0.072), reduces expert evaluation dispersion by 41.7%, and significantly improves assessment validity and reliability. This approach provides a methodological framework for addressing the 'narrow talent selection bottleneck' and offers policy insights for strengthening the cultivation of young science and technology talent in state-owned enterprises.