Abstract:

The establishment of higher education institutions is influenced by factors such as population distribution, economic development, social culture, and government governance.From the perspective of scale theory, this study draws on publicly released documents and data from the Ministry of Education between 2016 and 2025 to conduct a comprehensive analysis and policy evaluation of the spatial and disciplinary layouts of higher education institutions in China during the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plan periods. It further identifies the phased characteristics of regional higher education institution establishment. In terms of future directions, China should actively adjust its higher education institution establishment policy to respond to three major trends: the coordinated adjustment of spatial layout and hierarchical structure in higher education, the reconstruction of disciplinary and professional structures entering a new stage of quality development, and the accelerated development of a world-class doctoral education system. These efforts will help build a higher education layout system aligned with national and regional spatial scales, enhance regional and national higher education strength and competitiveness, and accelerate the construction of a world-class higher education power with Chinese characteristics.

Key words: scale theory, higher education, establishment of higher education institutions, policy evaluation