The Expansion of Higher Education Scale in Northeast China and the Pursuit of Common Prosperity: The Dual Moderating Effects of Technological Innovation and Educational Quality

Based on panel data from 36 cities in Northeast China spanning the years 2012 to 2021, this study employs the dual dimensions of “commonality†and “prosperity†to holistically assess the level of common prosperity. By developing a bidirectional panel fixed-effect model, this research conducts an empirical examination of the positive influence exerted by the expansion of higher education in Northeast China on achieving common prosperity. The findings indicate that the expansion of higher education in the region significantly contributes to the attainment of the common prosperity goal. In cities characterized by a high level of economic development and significant growth in higher education, this expansion markedly fosters common prosperity. Moreover, the quality of higher education and the level of scientific and technological innovation play a substantial positive moderating role in the process of advancing common prosperity through the expansion of higher education in Northeast China. Consequently, this study proposes several recommendations. Firstly, the expansion of higher education in Northeast China should shift from a focus on “quantitative growth†to one of “integration and quality enhancement.†Secondly, it is imperative to focus on the regions where higher education development is lagging and implement relevant strategies to optimize the layout of higher education in Northeast China. Thirdly, the quality of higher education should be improved to promote the realization of common prosperity through high-quality education. Lastly, the impact of higher education expansion on promoting common prosperity can be enhanced by optimizing the discipline structure, introducing new emerging disciplines, and deepening scientific and technological innovation.