China’s Higher Education Policy Change from 211 Project and 985 Project to the Double-first-class Plan: Applying Kingdon's Multiple Streams Framework

Abstract

This study used multiple streams framework to analyse the motivation of reform from 211 Project and 985 Project to the Double-first-class Plan in China. Results indicate that all the three streams (problem stream, policy stream, and political stream), opening of policy window and policy entrepreneurs’ effort played important roles in promoting the policy reform. However, different from Kingdon's opinion, in China's political system, the independence of the three streams is weakened, and the dual identity of entrepreneurs also makes the boundaries between the three streams blurred. Political stream plays a leading role, while China's special political system is also conducive to the convergence of the three streams. In addition, discussions on Internet also play an important role in educational policy reform. When the public is aware of the reform possibilities, the national sentiment formed by heated discussion on Internet can affect the decision and direction of the reform.