Assessing the internationalization efficiency of China’s higher vocational education: a DEA-Malmquist and three-stage DEA analysis

This study evaluates the internationalization efficiency of higher vocational education (HVE) in 30 provinces of China from 2020 to 2023, aiming to identify regional disparities and influencing factors, and to optimize resource allocation for better policy formulation.Quantitative methods such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the Malmquist Index, and the three-stage DEA model are employed. DEA measures internationalization efficiency, the Malmquist Index analyzes efficiency changes, and the three-stage DEA adjusts for environmental factors' impact.From 2020 to 2023, the overall internationalization efficiency of higher vocational education improved, especially in the eastern and central regions, due to technological advancements. However, efficiency gains in the western and northeastern regions were limited due to fewer resources and technological constraints. Government support, technology, and resource management were key drivers. The three-stage DEA model revealed that environmental factors led to a decrease in efficiency, highlighting regional imbalances.This research fills the gap in understanding regional differences in internationalization efficiency within China’s HVE system. It provides valuable policy recommendations for differentiated regional support, resource optimization, and promoting faculty internationalization to enhance sustainable development.