This study investigates the impact of educational internationalization on economic growth through a systematic literature review. The research objectives include addressing the main theories on how educational internationalization affects economic growth, its theoretical framework, specific impact pathways, and future research directions. By analyzing 37 articles, the study summarizes current research on educational internationalization and economic growth and constructs a relevant theoretical framework. The results indicate that educational internationalization significantly positively impacts economic growth in terms of policy support, student mobility, education quality, human capital accumulation, and technology transfer. Effective government policy implementation, the direct economic benefits and cultural exchange brought by student mobility, the establishment of high-quality education systems, and the enhancement of human capital and technological innovation are all crucial factors driving economic growth. This study provides a new perspective on understanding the complex mechanisms by which educational internationalization affects economic growth and offers important guidance for future research. Future studies should compare the educational internationalization strategies of different countries, explore their impact on regional economic inequality, and investigate their interaction mechanisms with technological innovation to provide empirical support for policymakers and promote the coordinated development of global education and the economy.
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