New Quality Productivity: Factors and Paths for Digital Transformation of Yunnan’s Higher Education

Taking into consideration the natural association between emerging productive forces and total factor productivity growth, this study conducts an in-depth analysis from the perspective of educational economics. Through literature review and Delphi consultation, 16 factors on the new quality productivity concept that support higher education digital transformation were identified. A hybrid Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory-Interpretative Structural Modelling integrated framework was then used to identify fundamental driving elements and build a hierarchical structure. Results show that teaching pedagogies, such as the modernisation of teaching content, diversity of instructional approaches, better assessment mechanisms, and intelligent campus management form the core drivers of digital transformation. These factors can be categorised into four interlinked layers, from basic conditions to advanced application dimensions. Based on the findings, this study proposes policy directions for promoting the digital transformation of higher education in Yunnan Province which includes strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting collaborative innovation platforms, enhancing research integration, and optimising governance and decision-making systems.

https://doi.org/10.64233/USUR8190