Pursuing World-Class Universities: Managerial Challenges under China’s Double First-Class Initiative

Junxiu Liu

doi:10.71204/3jgsf307

Authors

Junxiu Liu University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71204/3jgsf307

Keywords:

World-Class Universities, Double First-Class Initiative, Higher Education Policy, University Governance, Academic Rankings

Abstract

China’s “Double First-Class” (DFC) Initiative represents a landmark policy to develop world-class universities and disciplines, building on earlier programs like Project 211 and 985. This study examines the managerial challenges posed by the DFC Initiative. The pursuit of world-class status in Chinese higher education is occurring in a context of intense global competition and national aspirations. We conducted a qualitative analysis of policy documents, institutional reports, and existing literature to identify prevalent administrative and governance issues. Key challenges include balancing performance mandates with university autonomy, inequitable resource allocation favoring a select elite, heightened pressure on faculty to “publish or perish,” and a tendency toward quantitative metrics and rankings as proxies for quality. These pressures have led to unintended outcomes such as “academic utilitarianism” and neglect of teaching and unranked disciplines. While the DFC Initiative has propelled some Chinese universities toward higher global standings, it has also exacerbated governance tensions and regional disparities. The study concludes that sustainable world-class development in China requires management strategies that mitigate competition’s downsides, promote inclusive growth of non-elite institutions, and refine evaluation systems beyond simplistic ranking indicators.

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