Recently, the Analysis Report on Original Research Methods in Chinese Philosophy and Social Sciences (2026), compiled by the Information Center for Social Sciences of Renmin University of China and the Digital Innovation Platform for China’s Independent Knowledge System of Philosophy and Social Sciences, was officially published by Social Sciences Academic Press. Adopting multiple research approaches including literature investigation, bibliometric analysis, questionnaire surveys and peer review, the report selected ten exemplary original research methods in the field of Chinese philosophy and social sciences. Notably, the educational economics methodology pioneered by Professor Wang Shanmai from Beijing Normal University Business School (BNUBS) was successfully shortlisted.

As the third volume of the academic evaluation trilogy featuring original concepts, indigenous academic theories and innovative research methods launched by the Information Center for Social Sciences of Renmin University of China, this publication concretely demonstrates the evolutionary context, original characteristics and academic value of indigenous research methods in Chinese philosophy and social sciences. It provides solid theoretical support and practical references for the construction of China’s independent knowledge system of philosophy and social sciences, particularly for the innovation and optimization of research methodologies.

Educational economics is an interdisciplinary discipline integrating economics and education science. It applies theoretical paradigms and analytical methods of economics to examine economic issues in the education sector and explore the inherent laws governing resource input and output, costs and benefits, as well as the interactive relationship between education and economic development. The report underscores the fundamental originality of Professor Wang Shanmai’s educational economics methodology. Breaking through the limitations of traditional single-indicator evaluation frameworks, Professor Wang put forward three objective criteria for judging the rationality of educational investment proportion in the national economy and established a comprehensive evaluation system covering short-term, long-term and holistic dimensional assessments. In terms of academic significance, this methodology enables in-depth research on educational resource allocation and reveals the operational laws of economic activities within the education industry, facilitating systematic and comprehensive understanding of the essential attributes of education. In terms of practical value, against the backdrop of scarce educational resources and institutional constraints, the methodology delivers intellectual support for evidence-based educational decision-making by governments, schools and families. The innovative methodology has not only advanced the standardized and scientific development of educational economics and educational policy analysis in China, but also provided valuable methodological references for educational policy research worldwide, especially for developing countries.

Contributed by Capital Institute of Educational Economics

Edited by Sun Yue

Reviewed by Hu Conghui