International comparative analysis of the industry-education relationship in vocational education and training: From the perspective of economic sociology

Abstract

The relationship between industry and education serves as a focal point in research on vocational education. Previous studies using rigid Weberian ideal types of behavior struggle to capture the complex realities and notable variations both within and across developing countries and often fail to consider the impact of educational systems and the connection between education and employment. This article endeavors to introduce a new framework for international comparative analysis through the lens of economic sociology. This analytical framework examines three key dimensions: the readiness and capacity of industries to engage in vocational education, the willingness of students to enroll in vocational education, and the influence of labor market and education institutions on both industries and students in relation to vocational education. Its purpose is to explore the relationships and critical factors that affect the interactions between industry and education in Germany, the US, and China. The findings can be summarized as follows: In the US, industry has a relatively low demand for a skilled workforce and a diminished inclination to invest in vocational education and training (VET), and the willingness of students to engage in VET is also relatively low. Certain characteristics of US labor market and education system also present significant challenges for the industry-education relationship in VET. In Germany, the industry has a relatively high demand for skilled workers, and there is an interest in investing in VET, and some students are willing to choose VET. The labor markets and education systems in each country also affect the involvement of stakeholders in VET. In China, a more mixed picture can be observed, with a closer similarity to the US in terms of the industry-education relationship in VET, with the exception that the government plays a more active role in this.