A Comparative Study on the Development of Vocational Education in Mongolia and China: Pathways, Challenges, and Synergies

Presents a systematic comparative analysis of the vocational education and training (VET) systems in Mongolia and China, two nations navigating distinct economic transitions that place a premium on skills development. As Mongolia seeks to diversify beyond its mining sector and China shifts towards a high-tech, innovation-driven economy, it elucidates the structural, policy, and operational divergences and convergences in their respective VET frameworks. Employing a qualitative comparative case study methodology, the research draws on national policy documents, statistical data from international bodies like the World Bank and ADB, and scholarly literature from both countries. The analysis, structured around governance, scale, curriculum, and financing, reveals that China's VET system is defined by its immense scale and strong state-led governance, designed to align massive human capital with strategic industrial needs through initiatives like the "Double High Plan." In contrast, Mongolia's system is more compact, flexible, and heavily influenced by international partnerships, focusing on competency-based training (CBT) for key economic sectors. While China excels in systematic investment, it faces challenges in ensuring quality across regions, whereas Mongolia struggles with sustainable financing and a limited industrial base for deep school-enterprise cooperation. The findings underscore significant potential for synergistic cooperation, where China's experience in large-scale system management can complement Mongolia's agility and expertise in demand-driven models. The paper concludes by proposing concrete collaborative pathways, including joint curriculum development for cross-border industries and the establishment of a Mongolian-Sino VET cooperation center, offering valuable insights for policymakers and contributing to regional human resource development goals.