Instruments and equipment serve as the foundation for scientific observation and continuous monitoring in field scientific observation research stations of colleges and universities. In recent years, the nation has placed significant emphasis on the construction and development of field stations. The development and refinement of university field stations have led to a concomitant expansion in the array of field instruments and equipment utilization. A variety of field instruments are utilized for diverse research objectives, each aligning with distinct management standards and usage requirements. The deployment of these instruments in complex and ever-changing natural environments necessitates heightened standards for installation, debugging, usage, maintenance, and disposal upon obsolescence. These requirements have introduced additional challenges to the management of field instruments and equipment. Consequently, the integration of the concept of whole life cycle management and the enhancement of the management of field station instruments and equipment to optimize their usage benefits constitutes a pressing and challenging issue that universities must promptly address.

This study employed the “Mountain Forest Carbon Sink Field Scientific Observation Station of Fujian Province as a case study. The research focused on the management of instrumentation and equipment. The distinctiveness and complexity of the field platform relative to the interior of a laboratory were taken into consideration. The challenges and deficiencies in the management of field station instruments and equipment were analyzed and discussed. The whole life cycle theory was integrated into the management of field instruments and equipment. Solutions and management strategies were proposed for field scientific observation research stations.

This study examined the management of field instruments and equipment in higher education institutions. Key findings indicate that effective management of field instruments provides a solid foundation for a national innovation-driven development strategy. Moreover, it is imperative to optimize university resource allocation and control costs. Lastly, effective management is crucial for ensuring continuous and precise observational activities in the field. Numerous challenges and inadequacies emerged in the supervision of field instruments and equipment in academic institutions. The extent to which purchased instruments and equipment can be adapted to field conditions was not fully demonstrated. Additionally, the budgeting process did not consider the concept of whole life cycle costs. The discrepancy between the environmental conditions and the installation and commissioning processes rendered continuous, precise positioning, monitoring, and operation maintenance extremely challenging. The technical assessment for the decommissioning of field instruments was deemed inadequate, and the disposal of the equipment posed potential safety hazards. The study thus proposed management strategies for the instruments and equipment of the university’s field scientific observation research stations. The management strategies employed were as follows: First, the comprehensive purchase review must be strengthened, and the whole life cycle cost management of field instruments and equipment must be strictly controlled. Second, efforts must be made to optimize the compatibility between field instruments and equipment, as well as environmental conditions. Furthermore, the entire process of operation and maintenance must be strengthened to ensure its effectiveness. Third, standardization of the technical appraisal for the decommissioning of field instruments and equipment is imperative, as is the strengthening of the entire chain of safety disposal.

A notable enhancement was observed in the life cycle and usage efficiency of the field instruments. This enhancement provided substantial support for scientific and technological innovation, talent cultivation, demonstration and application, and popular science education in institutions of higher education. Additionally, it furnished reference materials and guidance for the management of instruments and equipment in remote regional innovation and technology platforms of institutions of higher education.

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.