Reevaluating Resources: A Configurational Analysis of Geographic and External Drivers for HSS Doctoral Knowledge Production in China’s Regional Universities

Regional universities form a crucial part of China’s higher education system, hosting a substantial portion of the nation’s doctoral candidates. However, compared to top-tier universities, they face a critical challenge: increased degree-granting authority has not been matched by sufficient resources or autonomy. This study investigates the knowledge production of doctoral candidates in humanities and social sciences (HSS) at these institutions, through the lens of a dual “internal-external” dynamic. Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) on data from 17 regional universities, we identify three distinct causal configurations (paths) leading to high knowledge production: a personal drive path in resource-scarce settings, an internal optimization path that synergizes institutional resources despite external constraints, and a synergistic advantage path where geographic advantages amplify institutional strengths. These findings reveal that there is no single formula for success; effective strategies depend on a university’s specific resource configuration. We conclude that regional universities must move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and instead adopt differentiated strategies: they can nurture individual agency, optimize internal synergy, or leverage regional ecosystems. Such tailored approaches are essential to enhance doctoral training quality and contribute to a more balanced national innovation system.