Research on the contribution rate of higher education to economic growth in the Yangtze River Delta

Based on the C-D growth function and utilizing the Denison factor analysis method, this paper calculates the contribution rate of higher education in the Yangtze River Delta region, consisting of three provinces and one municipality, to economic growth from 2002 to 2021. The results indicate that higher education in the Yangtze River Delta region plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, with contribution rates exceeding 4% consistently. While the educational levels in the three provinces and one municipality have improved, and the educational structure has been optimized, there are variations in the contribution rates of higher education to economic growth, with Shanghai standing out prominently. Therefore, the Yangtze River Delta region should increase the duration of education, enhance the overall level of education, continuously optimize educational institutions, improve the overall educational quality, strengthen regional cooperation and communication, promote knowledge sharing, and foster economic development.