International Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Management, 2026, 7(1); doi: 10.38007/IJSSEM.2026.070101.
Ruoqian Yang
College of Economic and Management, ZhongShan Polytechnic, Zhongshan528400, Guangdong, China
The accelerated integration and industrial upgrading in the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) have created a high demand for skilled marketing workforce, revealing a structural misalignment between vocational education outputs and the regional economy's needs. The national "1+X" certificate policy is a key reform, but its implementation in the GBA context is under - explored. This study aims to build, operationalize, and evaluate an integration model that combines the "1+X" framework with marketing talent cultivation in vocational colleges.Using a mixed - methods design, the study analyzes the GBA's marketing talent situation through surveys of over 350 stakeholders and in - depth interviews. Based on the evidence and relevant theories, it proposes a multi - layered, tripartite integration model consisting of a Foundational Academic Core, a Dynamic Skill - Certificate Nexus, and an Applied Practice - Innovation Ecosystem, with support mechanisms.The study has a rigorous evaluation framework. The model was piloted at a GBA vocational college for two years. Quantitative and qualitative data show significant improvements in certificate attainment, job readiness, and career adaptability. The paper ends by suggesting implementation pathways, discussing policy implications for overcoming barriers under "one country, two systems", and proposing future research directions. This work advances national education policy theory and provides a practical plan for cultivating GBA's marketing professionals.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Gba); 1+X Certificate System; Marketing Talent Cultivation; Vocational Education Reform; Integration Model; Competency-Based Education; Cross-Border Credit Recognition; Industry-Education Integration
Ruoqian Yang. The Construction and Evaluation of an Integrated Model for the "1+X" Certificate System and Marketing Talent Cultivation in the GBA—A Path to Synergistic Development. International Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Management (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 1: 1-9. https://doi.doi.org/10.3807/IJSSEM.2026.070101.
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