Research on the coupling coordination relationship between new quality productivity and high vocational education sustainable development

Purpose: The objective of this study is to utilize empirical research and analysis to examine the coupling coordination relationship between new quality productivity and higher vocational education sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: To this end, an evaluation index system for the new quality productivity and higher vocational education sustainable development was constructed. The panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2016 to 2022 were then analyzed using the entropy method, the coupling coordination degree model, the Tobit regression model and Dagum’s Gini coefficient. Findings: The findings indicate that the coupling coordination degree of new quality productivity and higher vocational education sustainable development exhibited an upward trend, though significant regional disparities were observed, with the highest coupling coordination degree recorded in the eastern region and the lowest in the northeastern region. Originality/value: The study’s findings further suggest that the three factors of technological innovation level, rationalization of industrial structure and advanced industrial structure have a significant positive influence on the coupling coordination degree, while the level of government intervention has a significant negative influence on the Coupling Coordination Degree. The study posits that augmenting policy support, optimizing the government’s role, reinforcing the drive for technological innovation, and enhancing regional cooperation and exchange are imperative to foster high-quality development of the integration of industry and education between new quality productivity and higher vocational education.