Abstract

This study explores how industry–education integration can effectively enhance the innovation capability of Master of International Business (MIB) students, identifies key issues in the current training model, and proposes reform strategies based on practices in Shanghai. Through questionnaire surveys administered to 32 foreign trade enterprises and 5 universities in Shanghai (N = 417), combined with case studies and policy analysis, three major dilemmas and their root causes in MIB innovation cultivation are identified. The findings reveal insufficient motivation for multi-agent collaboration, low efficiency in resource integration, and a lack of long-term mechanisms. In response, a systematic reform framework—"Demand Anchoring – Dual-Subject Platform – Fault Tolerance Mechanism"—is proposed. By implementing enterprise-led projects, co-constructed platforms, and policy safeguards, Shanghai has effectively addressed superficial collaboration in industry–education integration, providing a replicable and scalable model for MIB education nationwide.