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Constructing Integrated Teaching Innovation Teams for Secondary and Higher Vocational Education in the Digital Economy: A Theoretical Framework and Implementation Strategies

Author(s)

Xinyi Liu1,*, Jianchun Li2, Chunzhao Liu2

Affiliation(s)

1Zhejiang Business Technology Institute, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China 2Guangdong Songshan Polytechnic, Shaoguan, Guangdong, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

The rapid advancement of the digital economy demands urgent reform in vocational education systems to cultivate digitally-proficient technical talent. This study addresses the critical challenge of structural fragmentation between secondary and higher vocational institutions, which hinders the coherent development of student competencies required by modern industries. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research synthesizes existing literature, analyzes current governance mechanisms, and examines a case implementation at Zhejiang Business Technology Institute. The study proposes a four-dimensional theoretical framework for constructing Integrated Teaching Innovation Teams (I-TITs), encompassing structural integration, progressive capability development, collaborative culture cultivation, and deep ecosystem engagement. The framework's application in an automotive program demonstrates significant improvements: student engagement increased by 30%, graduate employment rate reached 95% within six months, and starting salaries rose by 15% compared to pre-reform cohorts. Critical analysis reveals systemic gaps in governance structures, misaligned incentive mechanisms, and inadequate evaluation metrics. This research establishes that systematic I-TIT construction, supported by comprehensive institutional reforms, can transform fragmented vocational education into an integrated, industry-responsive talent cultivation system capable of meeting digital economy demands.

Keywords

Digital Economy; Vocational Education; Secondary-Higher Vocational Integration; Teacher Innovation Teams; Professional Development; Implementation Strategies; Theoretical Framework

References

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