Influencing factors and mechanisms of collaborative governance within the integration of industry and education in Yunnan's higher vocational education

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the influencing factors and mechanisms of collaborative governance in the integration of industry and education in Yunnan's higher vocational education. The study employed quantitative research methods to collect data from 496 valid respondents across four stakeholder groups: government departments, enterprises, vocational colleges, and industry associations. Descriptive results showed that the mean subjective evaluations from all stakeholders are at a medium-to-high level (3.81–4.10). However, information search and negotiation costs (M=3.85) and property rights delineation costs (M=3.86) remain significant obstacles. The correlation coefficients between the indicated transaction cost factors (information search and negotiation costs, and property rights definition costs) and university-enterprise collaborative behavior were 0.411 and 0.434, respectively (although the pairwise correlation was positive, the net effect showed a significant negative suppression in the path model). Meanwhile, the r-values for regional social capital, cultural identity, local government coordination and participation, and industry association participation were 0.311, 0.501, 0.544, and 0.581, respectively, all showing significant positive associations and good discriminant validity. VensimPLE software found that the 2018-2035 simulation revealed obvious stage heterogeneity: The facilitating effect of local government coordination and participation has steadily increased from 0.04% in 2018 to 3.52% in 2035 (the strongest core driving force, which can play an equivalent substitute role when industry associations are weak). The regional social capital effect has increased to 2.36% (exceeding the 1.77% of industry associations). The mitigating effect of reducing information search and negotiation costs is 1.11% (a persistent obstacle throughout the entire cycle). The effect of reducing property rights delineation costs peaked in 2023 (2.56%) and then stabilized. Cultural identity maintains a stable contribution of 0.55%–0.65%. This study proposes mechanisms such as building information platforms and clarifying property rights to reduce transaction costs, offering practical insights for enhancing collaborative governance in Yunnan and beyond.