Factors Affecting Scientific Research Outcomes among Chinese Higher Vocational Institutions: A Study Based on Guizhou

Abstrak

This study investigates institutional, human resource, and external factors affecting scientific research outcomes in Chinese higher vocational institutions, focusing on Guizhou province. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving surveys from 480 vocational educators and semi-structured interviews with 10 top- performing researchers. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), findings revealed that human resources play the most significant role (β = 0.87), followed by institutional (β = 0.72) and external factors (β = 0.65). Research experience, professional development, faculty qualifications, institutional funding, access to international journals, industry partnerships, and external grants are all significant contributors. The significance of regulatory support, targeted funding, and collaborative research in enhancing research quality and productivity was emphasized by the interview results. The study concludes that enhancing human capital, strengthening institutional research infrastructure, and fostering academic-industry linkages are essential for advancing research performance. Policy recommendations include optimizing funding allocation, streamlining research policies, and promoting faculty development programs to support sustainable scientific innovation in vocational education institutions.