University–local symbiosis for empowering application–oriented talent cultivation: the logic and pathways

The transformation of local undergraduate universities toward application–oriented education is a strategic priority in China’s higher education reform. This paper adopts university–local symbiosis as its core analytical framework to systematically explore how local universities can empower application–oriented talent cultivation through deep integration with regional economic and social development. Drawing on symbiosis theory and the Triple Helix model, and through case analyses of Yichun University, Weifang University, Linyi University, and Zhejiang Wanli University, this study reveals four mechanisms through which university–local symbiosis empowers application–oriented talent cultivation: value–guided strategic embeddedness, industry–demand–driven dynamic program adjustment, multi–dimensional collaborative practical platform development, and two–way empowering faculty–enterprise resource sharing. On this basis, the paper analyzes the structural dilemmas currently facing university–local symbiosis from five dimensions—institutional environment, program development, curriculum and instruction, faculty, and depth of collaboration—and proposes systematic pathways for breakthrough. This study provides an actionable analytical framework and strategic references for local universities to deepen university–local symbiosis practices, offering both theoretical value and practical guidance for advancing application–oriented talent cultivation reform.