Current Status and Future Prospects of Cultivating Young Editorial Talents for China's Scientific, Technical and Medical Journals

In recent years, policies such as the "China’s Science and Technology Journal Excellence Action Plan " have significantly advanced the development of editorial talent. However, professional challenges remain, including the lack of dedicated national awards, fragmented incentive mechanisms, and insufficient personalized training opportunities. International organizations such as the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM) and publishers like Elsevier have established multi-level training ecosystems through professional certification programs, cross-border mentorship networks, and technology collaboration platforms—offering valuable insights for cultivating editorial talent within China’s scientific, technical and medical journal community.In this study, we investigate the challenges in nurturing young editorial talent for China's scientific, technical and medical journals by examining relevant policies, funding initiatives, and international best practices to propose context-specific development pathways. Through a systematic literature review, case analyses, and expert interviews, we assess required editorial competencies and evaluate the current status of young editors in China's scientific publishing landscape. Findings reveal significant gaps in talent cultivation policies, institutional platforms, and systematic frameworks. Existing models—primarily supported by academic societies and local governments through project-based funding, on-the-job training, and senior editor mentorship—are constrained by inadequate funding and underdeveloped training systems. International experience highlights the advantages of leading academic journals and societies in implementing diverse, resource-integrated talent development programs. We advocate establishing a collaborative government-industry-academia-research mechanism to strengthen capacity building. Recommendations include: defining clear developmental objectives for young editors; optimizing incentive policies to recognize performance and advancement; creating diversified career pathways; and enhancing comprehensive competencies, including disciplinary expertise, editorial proficiency, and international engagement capabilities. The "government-industry-university-research institute" training system necessitates that government agencies must provide policy guidance and regulatory support; the publishing industry should supply practical training platforms and respond to market demands; research institutions need to contribute theoretical underpinnings and drive innovation; and higher education institutions are responsible for delivering systematic education and skill development within specific academic disciplines. A robust, classification-based training mechanism for personnel of scientific, technical and medical journals must be established. Building upon a foundation of general publishing knowledge and professional competencies, this mechanism should prioritize the specialized and niche training for young editors. Emerging technologies should be leveraged to cultivate editors capable of adapting to media convergence and digital transformation. However, the promotion of these technological applications must be accompanied by the simultaneous development of a comprehensive risk prevention and control framework. The incentive mechanism for talents of scientific, technical and medical journals requires refinement to motivate sustained professional growth, improved job satisfaction, and equitable remuneration. International cooperation should be actively promoted to broaden global perspectives. This includes encouraging young editorial talents in scientific publishing to engage in international exchange programs and strengthening institutional collaborations with international academic societies and publishers.