Innovation and Optimization of Ideological and Political Education Content and Path in Universities from the Perspective of Political Economy Theory

Abstract

Under the dual mission of ideological construction and moral education, university ideological and political programs face structural difficulties, including the disconnection between theoretical content and engineering-oriented digital transformation, the solidification of educational paths, and weak practical application. These challenges hinder the cultivation of social responsibility and professional integrity among students entering technology-intensive fields such as intelligent manufacturing, information engineering, and communication systems. Political economy, as an important component of Marxist theory, provides a scientific tool for analyzing social contradictions and grasping the essence of the times through its standpoint, viewpoints, and methods. This theoretical orientation is compatible with the core goals of ideological and political education, which emphasize distinguishing right from wrong, maintaining a firm value stance, and guiding practical decision-making. By introducing political-economy analysis into curriculum content and teaching paths, ideological and political education can better connect theoretical interpretation with real industrial innovation, social responsibility, and ethical governance in technical contexts. The study therefore argues that content innovation and path optimization from the perspective of political economy can improve the targeted supply and practical effectiveness of ideological and political education in universities, especially for students whose future work will be embedded in complex engineering and digital systems.