Theory, Practice, and Dilemmas of Strategic Management in Chinese Universities in the New Era

In the new era, strategic management in Chinese universities is undergoing a profound paradigm shift driven by rapid socioeconomic transformations. Existing studies have not yet systematically integrated the theoretical evolution and practical innovation of strategic management in higher education, and theoretical development remains notably insufficient in two emerging dimensions: digital-intelligent governance and sustainable development. Focusing on three core analytical lines-namely theoretical change, practical innovation, and real-world dilemmas-this paper argues that contemporary strategic management in Chinese universities has developed new theoretical orientations in three dimensions: outward orientation, sustainability, and digital intelligence. At the practical level, it has successfully formed a planning logic deeply aligned with national strategies, an implementation model centered on vertical and horizontal coordination, and an evaluation system moving toward multidimensional intelligence. However, significant challenges remain. Planning dilemmas marked by strategic homogenization and visions detached from reality, implementation dilemmas arising from failed vertical transmission and blocked horizontal coordination, and evaluation dilemmas in which instrumental rationality continuously squeezes value rationality jointly constrain the improvement of strategic management effectiveness in higher education institutions. On the basis of revealing these critical tensions, this paper proposes actionable pathways in three respects: strengthening strategic focus, linking performance indicators, and improving comprehensive evaluation systems. Ultimately, these recommendations are formulated with a view to promoting Chinese universities toward a new stage of high-quality, sustainable development.