Exploration of management strategies for field scientific observation stations jointly built by universities and local institutions

Field scientific observation and research stations are important components of the national science and technology innovation system. These stations play a significant role in addressing technical challenges, supporting economic and social sustainability, and advancing academic disciplines. Exploring collaborative construction models between universities and local institutions offers a way to overcome limitations like repetitive efforts, ineffective operations, and low productivity caused by insufficient standards and practical conditions.

This study adopted a research method combining management strategy analysis and case practice exploration to highlight the importance and necessity of university-local collaborative field stations. Taking the “Construction and Management Practice of a Field Scientific Observation and Research Station in Fujian Province” as an example, the research identified key challenges in operation and management. It also proposed effective management strategies and scientific validity verification.

This study highlights the critical role of field scientific observation and research stations jointly developed by universities and local institutions. Such co-construction models are not only essential for advancing national scientific and technological innovation and development but also fulfill the urgent needs of scientific research and education in colleges and universities. They also serve as an important foundation for the scientific and technological services provided by local institutions. The study summarized and analyzed key challenges in constructing and managing field stations jointly developed by universities and local institutions ① Stations often struggle with poorly defined target positioning and incomplete development planning alongside inadequate policies and management systems. ② The support was inadequate and inconsistent, with limited networks for resource sharing. ③ The operation and management were loose, and the results and outputs were low. This study proposed a management strategy for the joint construction of field scientific observation and research stations by universities and local institutions: ① Proposing clear objectives and development plans and advancing supporting policies and measures. ② Building talent cultivation programs and establishing mechanisms for collaborative construction and management between universities and local institutions. ③ Strengthening sustained support while expanding the reach of resource-sharing initiatives. ④ Improving the assessment system and introducing intelligent management measures. ⑤ Boosting operational effectiveness to enhance scientific and technological outputs. Finally, the study highlighted a field scientific observation and research station jointly constructed by the university with local institutions in Fujian. By leveraging superior resources and optimized management frameworks, the station achieved significant progress in flux observation and forest carbon sink research, contributing to the national goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

The study offers valuable insights and guidance for the construction and management of field stations jointly built by universities and local institutions. It provides an important basis for strengthening and standardizing resource allocation and adjusting the layout of national science and technology innovation bases. Universities and institutions are encouraged to leverage their disciplinary strengths, maximize resource advantages, and establish field scientific observation stations tailored to local needs. By improving management strategies, these stations can foster original technological innovation, address key technical challenges, and support the national science and technology innovation-driven development. This study also serves as a reference for constructing and managing similar field stations in China and abroad.